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Home › NC › Pineville › Grace Life Academy
705 Lakeview Drive, Pineville NC 28134 · License #6059027 · Center · Child Care Center
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10A NCAC 09 .0902 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0326-230L Visit Date: 3/24/2026 Number Present: 92 Completed Date: 3/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 87%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. A Written Warning issued November 24, 2025, was prominently posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, Anna Smith, Communications Director, and Khalia Frazier, Program Coordinator. Bobbi Whitehead, Director joined us. I stated the purpose for the visit and met with Ms. Whitehead, Ms. Lamar, Ms. Smith and Ms. Frazier to discuss the allegations and items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Infant Feeding Schedules are not followed. Infant diapering routines are not followed. Incident reports are not completed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed four (4) administrative staff and three infant classroom (3) teachers. I was provided with infant feeding schedules, diapering documentation and incident reports for the weeks of March 3, 2026, and March 10, 2026. I reviewed feeding plans, observed diapering/feeding white boards and reviewed a random sampling of Bright Wheel App documentation for three (3) children. Ms. Whitehead assisted me during a walkthrough of the facility, I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, music, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Infant Feeding Schedules are not followed is confirmed. Based on review of feeding schedules and Bright Wheel documentation dated March 11, 2026, it was not documented that a child attending from 8:23 am – 5:17 pm was offered or consumed food after 11:30 am. The feeding schedule instructed that the child receive bottles every 3-4 hours. Infant diapering routines are not followed is not confirmed. Based on interviews and Bright Wheel documentation children are changed on demand, as needed and not to exceed two (2) hours. Children are allowed to sleep through a nap and changed upon waking. All staff interviewed stated that diapers are routinely checked, changed and documented on a whiteboard. Later, when children are settled, Bright Wheel will be updated to reflect the times on the white board. I observed diapering routines and documentation and found in compliance. Incident reports are not completed as required is confirmed. Based on interviews with administrative on March 5, 2026, it was reported by a parent to administrative staff that a child had a scratch located on torso near armpit. The administrator stated that the incident was documented and filed as reported by the parent in an email. A parent signature was not obtained regarding the incident documentation. The staff did not see an incident resulting in a scratch and did not confirm the incident happened at the facility so did not complete an NCDCDEE Incident Report. I reviewed Incident Log for the weeks of March 3 and March 10 and found two incident reports not logged in for the week of March 10, 2026. I reviewed two additional incident reports. A report March 12, 2026, did not document the name of the injured child, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. A report dated March 13, 2026, did not have the date signed by the parent, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. In Space 117 on March 11, 2026, it was not documented that a child attending from 8:23 am – 5:17 pm was offered or consumed food after 11:30 am. The feeding schedule instructed that the child receive bottles every 3-4 hours. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. In Space 117, on March 5, 2025, a report was not completed following a parent alerting the center regarding a scratch on a child's torso. On March 12, 2026, an incident report did not document the name of the injured child, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. On March 13, 2026, an incident report did not have the date signed by the parent, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. .0802 (e) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Two (2) incident reports dated March 12, 2026 and March 13, 2026 were not logged on the Incident Log. .0802(g)(1-6) Compliance Statement 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 7, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Feeding Schedules We discussed the importance of accurate documentation and the following rule: 10A NCAC 09 .0902 REQUIREMENTS FOR INFANTS (a) The parent or health care provider of each child under 15 months of age shall provide the center an individual written feeding plan for the child. This plan shall be followed at the center. This plan shall include the child's name, be signed by the parent or health care provider, and be dated when received by the center. Each infant's plan shall be modified in consultation with the child's parent or health care provider to reflect changes in the child's needs as he or she develops. The feeding instructions for each infant shall include the type and amount of milk, formula and food, the frequency of feedings and be posted for reference by the caregivers. Diapering Routines We discussed the importance of documentation and that you will continue to follow the following rule: 10A NCAC 09 .0806 TOILETING, CLOTHING AND LINENS (a) Diapers shall be changed whenever they become soiled or wet and not on a shift basis. Incident Reports I will email you a sample Incident Form outlining requirements for completing. We reviewed an incident report together and discussed how to complete it for alleged incidents regardless of observing the incident or injury at the center or when a parent finds an injury at home. We discussed documenting all alleged and witnessed incidents as follows: 10A NCAC 09 .0802 EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE (e) The child care provider shall complete an incident report each time a child is injured as a result of an incident occurring while the child is in care. This incident report shall include: (1) facility identifying information; (2) the child's name; (3) date and time of the incident; (4) witness to the incident; (5) time the parent is notified of the incident and by whom; (6) piece of equipment involved, if applicable; (7) cause of injury, if applicable; (8) type of injury, if applicable; (9) body part injured, if applicable; (10) where the child received medical treatment, if applicable; (11) description of how and where the incident occurred, and the First Aid received; and (12) steps taken to prevent reoccurrence. This report shall be signed by the person completing it and by the parent, a copy given to the parent or the parent declining a copy and the report maintained in the child's file. A copy of the form may be found on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/pdf_forms/DCDEE-0058.pdf. Incident Log We reviewed and discussed that Incident Reports should be logged immediately following the report being completed I suggest that all staff be trained and required to submit the report to administrative staff daily. (g) An incident log shall be completed any time an incident report is completed. This log shall: (1) include the name of the child; (2) include the date of the incident; (3) include the date the incident report was submitted to the Division, if applicable; (4) include the name of the staff member who complete the incident report; (5) be cumulative and maintained in a separate file; and (6) be available for review by a representative of the Division. This log shall be completed on a form provided by the Division. A copy of the log may be found on the Division's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/incident_log_i.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105723-723. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
Data synced from North Carolina's child care licensing agency on Jul 9, 2026 · Report an error
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0802 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0326-230L Visit Date: 3/24/2026 Number Present: 92 Completed Date: 3/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 87%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. A Written Warning issued November 24, 2025, was prominently posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, Anna Smith, Communications Director, and Khalia Frazier, Program Coordinator. Bobbi Whitehead, Director joined us. I stated the purpose for the visit and met with Ms. Whitehead, Ms. Lamar, Ms. Smith and Ms. Frazier to discuss the allegations and items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Infant Feeding Schedules are not followed. Infant diapering routines are not followed. Incident reports are not completed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed four (4) administrative staff and three infant classroom (3) teachers. I was provided with infant feeding schedules, diapering documentation and incident reports for the weeks of March 3, 2026, and March 10, 2026. I reviewed feeding plans, observed diapering/feeding white boards and reviewed a random sampling of Bright Wheel App documentation for three (3) children. Ms. Whitehead assisted me during a walkthrough of the facility, I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, music, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Infant Feeding Schedules are not followed is confirmed. Based on review of feeding schedules and Bright Wheel documentation dated March 11, 2026, it was not documented that a child attending from 8:23 am – 5:17 pm was offered or consumed food after 11:30 am. The feeding schedule instructed that the child receive bottles every 3-4 hours. Infant diapering routines are not followed is not confirmed. Based on interviews and Bright Wheel documentation children are changed on demand, as needed and not to exceed two (2) hours. Children are allowed to sleep through a nap and changed upon waking. All staff interviewed stated that diapers are routinely checked, changed and documented on a whiteboard. Later, when children are settled, Bright Wheel will be updated to reflect the times on the white board. I observed diapering routines and documentation and found in compliance. Incident reports are not completed as required is confirmed. Based on interviews with administrative on March 5, 2026, it was reported by a parent to administrative staff that a child had a scratch located on torso near armpit. The administrator stated that the incident was documented and filed as reported by the parent in an email. A parent signature was not obtained regarding the incident documentation. The staff did not see an incident resulting in a scratch and did not confirm the incident happened at the facility so did not complete an NCDCDEE Incident Report. I reviewed Incident Log for the weeks of March 3 and March 10 and found two incident reports not logged in for the week of March 10, 2026. I reviewed two additional incident reports. A report March 12, 2026, did not document the name of the injured child, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. A report dated March 13, 2026, did not have the date signed by the parent, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. In Space 117 on March 11, 2026, it was not documented that a child attending from 8:23 am – 5:17 pm was offered or consumed food after 11:30 am. The feeding schedule instructed that the child receive bottles every 3-4 hours. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. In Space 117, on March 5, 2025, a report was not completed following a parent alerting the center regarding a scratch on a child's torso. On March 12, 2026, an incident report did not document the name of the injured child, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. On March 13, 2026, an incident report did not have the date signed by the parent, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. .0802 (e) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Two (2) incident reports dated March 12, 2026 and March 13, 2026 were not logged on the Incident Log. .0802(g)(1-6) Compliance Statement 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 7, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Feeding Schedules We discussed the importance of accurate documentation and the following rule: 10A NCAC 09 .0902 REQUIREMENTS FOR INFANTS (a) The parent or health care provider of each child under 15 months of age shall provide the center an individual written feeding plan for the child. This plan shall be followed at the center. This plan shall include the child's name, be signed by the parent or health care provider, and be dated when received by the center. Each infant's plan shall be modified in consultation with the child's parent or health care provider to reflect changes in the child's needs as he or she develops. The feeding instructions for each infant shall include the type and amount of milk, formula and food, the frequency of feedings and be posted for reference by the caregivers. Diapering Routines We discussed the importance of documentation and that you will continue to follow the following rule: 10A NCAC 09 .0806 TOILETING, CLOTHING AND LINENS (a) Diapers shall be changed whenever they become soiled or wet and not on a shift basis. Incident Reports I will email you a sample Incident Form outlining requirements for completing. We reviewed an incident report together and discussed how to complete it for alleged incidents regardless of observing the incident or injury at the center or when a parent finds an injury at home. We discussed documenting all alleged and witnessed incidents as follows: 10A NCAC 09 .0802 EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE (e) The child care provider shall complete an incident report each time a child is injured as a result of an incident occurring while the child is in care. This incident report shall include: (1) facility identifying information; (2) the child's name; (3) date and time of the incident; (4) witness to the incident; (5) time the parent is notified of the incident and by whom; (6) piece of equipment involved, if applicable; (7) cause of injury, if applicable; (8) type of injury, if applicable; (9) body part injured, if applicable; (10) where the child received medical treatment, if applicable; (11) description of how and where the incident occurred, and the First Aid received; and (12) steps taken to prevent reoccurrence. This report shall be signed by the person completing it and by the parent, a copy given to the parent or the parent declining a copy and the report maintained in the child's file. A copy of the form may be found on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/pdf_forms/DCDEE-0058.pdf. Incident Log We reviewed and discussed that Incident Reports should be logged immediately following the report being completed I suggest that all staff be trained and required to submit the report to administrative staff daily. (g) An incident log shall be completed any time an incident report is completed. This log shall: (1) include the name of the child; (2) include the date of the incident; (3) include the date the incident report was submitted to the Division, if applicable; (4) include the name of the staff member who complete the incident report; (5) be cumulative and maintained in a separate file; and (6) be available for review by a representative of the Division. This log shall be completed on a form provided by the Division. A copy of the log may be found on the Division's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/incident_log_i.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105723-723. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0806 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0326-230L Visit Date: 3/24/2026 Number Present: 92 Completed Date: 3/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 87%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. A Written Warning issued November 24, 2025, was prominently posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, Anna Smith, Communications Director, and Khalia Frazier, Program Coordinator. Bobbi Whitehead, Director joined us. I stated the purpose for the visit and met with Ms. Whitehead, Ms. Lamar, Ms. Smith and Ms. Frazier to discuss the allegations and items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Infant Feeding Schedules are not followed. Infant diapering routines are not followed. Incident reports are not completed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed four (4) administrative staff and three infant classroom (3) teachers. I was provided with infant feeding schedules, diapering documentation and incident reports for the weeks of March 3, 2026, and March 10, 2026. I reviewed feeding plans, observed diapering/feeding white boards and reviewed a random sampling of Bright Wheel App documentation for three (3) children. Ms. Whitehead assisted me during a walkthrough of the facility, I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, music, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Infant Feeding Schedules are not followed is confirmed. Based on review of feeding schedules and Bright Wheel documentation dated March 11, 2026, it was not documented that a child attending from 8:23 am – 5:17 pm was offered or consumed food after 11:30 am. The feeding schedule instructed that the child receive bottles every 3-4 hours. Infant diapering routines are not followed is not confirmed. Based on interviews and Bright Wheel documentation children are changed on demand, as needed and not to exceed two (2) hours. Children are allowed to sleep through a nap and changed upon waking. All staff interviewed stated that diapers are routinely checked, changed and documented on a whiteboard. Later, when children are settled, Bright Wheel will be updated to reflect the times on the white board. I observed diapering routines and documentation and found in compliance. Incident reports are not completed as required is confirmed. Based on interviews with administrative on March 5, 2026, it was reported by a parent to administrative staff that a child had a scratch located on torso near armpit. The administrator stated that the incident was documented and filed as reported by the parent in an email. A parent signature was not obtained regarding the incident documentation. The staff did not see an incident resulting in a scratch and did not confirm the incident happened at the facility so did not complete an NCDCDEE Incident Report. I reviewed Incident Log for the weeks of March 3 and March 10 and found two incident reports not logged in for the week of March 10, 2026. I reviewed two additional incident reports. A report March 12, 2026, did not document the name of the injured child, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. A report dated March 13, 2026, did not have the date signed by the parent, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. In Space 117 on March 11, 2026, it was not documented that a child attending from 8:23 am – 5:17 pm was offered or consumed food after 11:30 am. The feeding schedule instructed that the child receive bottles every 3-4 hours. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. In Space 117, on March 5, 2025, a report was not completed following a parent alerting the center regarding a scratch on a child's torso. On March 12, 2026, an incident report did not document the name of the injured child, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. On March 13, 2026, an incident report did not have the date signed by the parent, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. .0802 (e) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Two (2) incident reports dated March 12, 2026 and March 13, 2026 were not logged on the Incident Log. .0802(g)(1-6) Compliance Statement 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 7, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Feeding Schedules We discussed the importance of accurate documentation and the following rule: 10A NCAC 09 .0902 REQUIREMENTS FOR INFANTS (a) The parent or health care provider of each child under 15 months of age shall provide the center an individual written feeding plan for the child. This plan shall be followed at the center. This plan shall include the child's name, be signed by the parent or health care provider, and be dated when received by the center. Each infant's plan shall be modified in consultation with the child's parent or health care provider to reflect changes in the child's needs as he or she develops. The feeding instructions for each infant shall include the type and amount of milk, formula and food, the frequency of feedings and be posted for reference by the caregivers. Diapering Routines We discussed the importance of documentation and that you will continue to follow the following rule: 10A NCAC 09 .0806 TOILETING, CLOTHING AND LINENS (a) Diapers shall be changed whenever they become soiled or wet and not on a shift basis. Incident Reports I will email you a sample Incident Form outlining requirements for completing. We reviewed an incident report together and discussed how to complete it for alleged incidents regardless of observing the incident or injury at the center or when a parent finds an injury at home. We discussed documenting all alleged and witnessed incidents as follows: 10A NCAC 09 .0802 EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE (e) The child care provider shall complete an incident report each time a child is injured as a result of an incident occurring while the child is in care. This incident report shall include: (1) facility identifying information; (2) the child's name; (3) date and time of the incident; (4) witness to the incident; (5) time the parent is notified of the incident and by whom; (6) piece of equipment involved, if applicable; (7) cause of injury, if applicable; (8) type of injury, if applicable; (9) body part injured, if applicable; (10) where the child received medical treatment, if applicable; (11) description of how and where the incident occurred, and the First Aid received; and (12) steps taken to prevent reoccurrence. This report shall be signed by the person completing it and by the parent, a copy given to the parent or the parent declining a copy and the report maintained in the child's file. A copy of the form may be found on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/pdf_forms/DCDEE-0058.pdf. Incident Log We reviewed and discussed that Incident Reports should be logged immediately following the report being completed I suggest that all staff be trained and required to submit the report to administrative staff daily. (g) An incident log shall be completed any time an incident report is completed. This log shall: (1) include the name of the child; (2) include the date of the incident; (3) include the date the incident report was submitted to the Division, if applicable; (4) include the name of the staff member who complete the incident report; (5) be cumulative and maintained in a separate file; and (6) be available for review by a representative of the Division. This log shall be completed on a form provided by the Division. A copy of the log may be found on the Division's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/incident_log_i.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105723-723. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0902 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0326-230L Visit Date: 3/24/2026 Number Present: 92 Completed Date: 3/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 87%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. A Written Warning issued November 24, 2025, was prominently posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, Anna Smith, Communications Director, and Khalia Frazier, Program Coordinator. Bobbi Whitehead, Director joined us. I stated the purpose for the visit and met with Ms. Whitehead, Ms. Lamar, Ms. Smith and Ms. Frazier to discuss the allegations and items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Infant Feeding Schedules are not followed. Infant diapering routines are not followed. Incident reports are not completed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed four (4) administrative staff and three infant classroom (3) teachers. I was provided with infant feeding schedules, diapering documentation and incident reports for the weeks of March 3, 2026, and March 10, 2026. I reviewed feeding plans, observed diapering/feeding white boards and reviewed a random sampling of Bright Wheel App documentation for three (3) children. Ms. Whitehead assisted me during a walkthrough of the facility, I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, music, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Infant Feeding Schedules are not followed is confirmed. Based on review of feeding schedules and Bright Wheel documentation dated March 11, 2026, it was not documented that a child attending from 8:23 am – 5:17 pm was offered or consumed food after 11:30 am. The feeding schedule instructed that the child receive bottles every 3-4 hours. Infant diapering routines are not followed is not confirmed. Based on interviews and Bright Wheel documentation children are changed on demand, as needed and not to exceed two (2) hours. Children are allowed to sleep through a nap and changed upon waking. All staff interviewed stated that diapers are routinely checked, changed and documented on a whiteboard. Later, when children are settled, Bright Wheel will be updated to reflect the times on the white board. I observed diapering routines and documentation and found in compliance. Incident reports are not completed as required is confirmed. Based on interviews with administrative on March 5, 2026, it was reported by a parent to administrative staff that a child had a scratch located on torso near armpit. The administrator stated that the incident was documented and filed as reported by the parent in an email. A parent signature was not obtained regarding the incident documentation. The staff did not see an incident resulting in a scratch and did not confirm the incident happened at the facility so did not complete an NCDCDEE Incident Report. I reviewed Incident Log for the weeks of March 3 and March 10 and found two incident reports not logged in for the week of March 10, 2026. I reviewed two additional incident reports. A report March 12, 2026, did not document the name of the injured child, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. A report dated March 13, 2026, did not have the date signed by the parent, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. In Space 117 on March 11, 2026, it was not documented that a child attending from 8:23 am – 5:17 pm was offered or consumed food after 11:30 am. The feeding schedule instructed that the child receive bottles every 3-4 hours. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. In Space 117, on March 5, 2025, a report was not completed following a parent alerting the center regarding a scratch on a child's torso. On March 12, 2026, an incident report did not document the name of the injured child, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. On March 13, 2026, an incident report did not have the date signed by the parent, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. .0802 (e) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Two (2) incident reports dated March 12, 2026 and March 13, 2026 were not logged on the Incident Log. .0802(g)(1-6) Compliance Statement 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 7, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Feeding Schedules We discussed the importance of accurate documentation and the following rule: 10A NCAC 09 .0902 REQUIREMENTS FOR INFANTS (a) The parent or health care provider of each child under 15 months of age shall provide the center an individual written feeding plan for the child. This plan shall be followed at the center. This plan shall include the child's name, be signed by the parent or health care provider, and be dated when received by the center. Each infant's plan shall be modified in consultation with the child's parent or health care provider to reflect changes in the child's needs as he or she develops. The feeding instructions for each infant shall include the type and amount of milk, formula and food, the frequency of feedings and be posted for reference by the caregivers. Diapering Routines We discussed the importance of documentation and that you will continue to follow the following rule: 10A NCAC 09 .0806 TOILETING, CLOTHING AND LINENS (a) Diapers shall be changed whenever they become soiled or wet and not on a shift basis. Incident Reports I will email you a sample Incident Form outlining requirements for completing. We reviewed an incident report together and discussed how to complete it for alleged incidents regardless of observing the incident or injury at the center or when a parent finds an injury at home. We discussed documenting all alleged and witnessed incidents as follows: 10A NCAC 09 .0802 EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE (e) The child care provider shall complete an incident report each time a child is injured as a result of an incident occurring while the child is in care. This incident report shall include: (1) facility identifying information; (2) the child's name; (3) date and time of the incident; (4) witness to the incident; (5) time the parent is notified of the incident and by whom; (6) piece of equipment involved, if applicable; (7) cause of injury, if applicable; (8) type of injury, if applicable; (9) body part injured, if applicable; (10) where the child received medical treatment, if applicable; (11) description of how and where the incident occurred, and the First Aid received; and (12) steps taken to prevent reoccurrence. This report shall be signed by the person completing it and by the parent, a copy given to the parent or the parent declining a copy and the report maintained in the child's file. A copy of the form may be found on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/pdf_forms/DCDEE-0058.pdf. Incident Log We reviewed and discussed that Incident Reports should be logged immediately following the report being completed I suggest that all staff be trained and required to submit the report to administrative staff daily. (g) An incident log shall be completed any time an incident report is completed. This log shall: (1) include the name of the child; (2) include the date of the incident; (3) include the date the incident report was submitted to the Division, if applicable; (4) include the name of the staff member who complete the incident report; (5) be cumulative and maintained in a separate file; and (6) be available for review by a representative of the Division. This log shall be completed on a form provided by the Division. A copy of the log may be found on the Division's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/incident_log_i.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105723-723. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
GS 110-106 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0326-230L Visit Date: 3/24/2026 Number Present: 92 Completed Date: 3/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 87%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. A Written Warning issued November 24, 2025, was prominently posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, Anna Smith, Communications Director, and Khalia Frazier, Program Coordinator. Bobbi Whitehead, Director joined us. I stated the purpose for the visit and met with Ms. Whitehead, Ms. Lamar, Ms. Smith and Ms. Frazier to discuss the allegations and items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Infant Feeding Schedules are not followed. Infant diapering routines are not followed. Incident reports are not completed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed four (4) administrative staff and three infant classroom (3) teachers. I was provided with infant feeding schedules, diapering documentation and incident reports for the weeks of March 3, 2026, and March 10, 2026. I reviewed feeding plans, observed diapering/feeding white boards and reviewed a random sampling of Bright Wheel App documentation for three (3) children. Ms. Whitehead assisted me during a walkthrough of the facility, I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, music, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Infant Feeding Schedules are not followed is confirmed. Based on review of feeding schedules and Bright Wheel documentation dated March 11, 2026, it was not documented that a child attending from 8:23 am – 5:17 pm was offered or consumed food after 11:30 am. The feeding schedule instructed that the child receive bottles every 3-4 hours. Infant diapering routines are not followed is not confirmed. Based on interviews and Bright Wheel documentation children are changed on demand, as needed and not to exceed two (2) hours. Children are allowed to sleep through a nap and changed upon waking. All staff interviewed stated that diapers are routinely checked, changed and documented on a whiteboard. Later, when children are settled, Bright Wheel will be updated to reflect the times on the white board. I observed diapering routines and documentation and found in compliance. Incident reports are not completed as required is confirmed. Based on interviews with administrative on March 5, 2026, it was reported by a parent to administrative staff that a child had a scratch located on torso near armpit. The administrator stated that the incident was documented and filed as reported by the parent in an email. A parent signature was not obtained regarding the incident documentation. The staff did not see an incident resulting in a scratch and did not confirm the incident happened at the facility so did not complete an NCDCDEE Incident Report. I reviewed Incident Log for the weeks of March 3 and March 10 and found two incident reports not logged in for the week of March 10, 2026. I reviewed two additional incident reports. A report March 12, 2026, did not document the name of the injured child, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. A report dated March 13, 2026, did not have the date signed by the parent, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. In Space 117 on March 11, 2026, it was not documented that a child attending from 8:23 am – 5:17 pm was offered or consumed food after 11:30 am. The feeding schedule instructed that the child receive bottles every 3-4 hours. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. In Space 117, on March 5, 2025, a report was not completed following a parent alerting the center regarding a scratch on a child's torso. On March 12, 2026, an incident report did not document the name of the injured child, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. On March 13, 2026, an incident report did not have the date signed by the parent, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. .0802 (e) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Two (2) incident reports dated March 12, 2026 and March 13, 2026 were not logged on the Incident Log. .0802(g)(1-6) Compliance Statement 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 7, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Feeding Schedules We discussed the importance of accurate documentation and the following rule: 10A NCAC 09 .0902 REQUIREMENTS FOR INFANTS (a) The parent or health care provider of each child under 15 months of age shall provide the center an individual written feeding plan for the child. This plan shall be followed at the center. This plan shall include the child's name, be signed by the parent or health care provider, and be dated when received by the center. Each infant's plan shall be modified in consultation with the child's parent or health care provider to reflect changes in the child's needs as he or she develops. The feeding instructions for each infant shall include the type and amount of milk, formula and food, the frequency of feedings and be posted for reference by the caregivers. Diapering Routines We discussed the importance of documentation and that you will continue to follow the following rule: 10A NCAC 09 .0806 TOILETING, CLOTHING AND LINENS (a) Diapers shall be changed whenever they become soiled or wet and not on a shift basis. Incident Reports I will email you a sample Incident Form outlining requirements for completing. We reviewed an incident report together and discussed how to complete it for alleged incidents regardless of observing the incident or injury at the center or when a parent finds an injury at home. We discussed documenting all alleged and witnessed incidents as follows: 10A NCAC 09 .0802 EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE (e) The child care provider shall complete an incident report each time a child is injured as a result of an incident occurring while the child is in care. This incident report shall include: (1) facility identifying information; (2) the child's name; (3) date and time of the incident; (4) witness to the incident; (5) time the parent is notified of the incident and by whom; (6) piece of equipment involved, if applicable; (7) cause of injury, if applicable; (8) type of injury, if applicable; (9) body part injured, if applicable; (10) where the child received medical treatment, if applicable; (11) description of how and where the incident occurred, and the First Aid received; and (12) steps taken to prevent reoccurrence. This report shall be signed by the person completing it and by the parent, a copy given to the parent or the parent declining a copy and the report maintained in the child's file. A copy of the form may be found on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/pdf_forms/DCDEE-0058.pdf. Incident Log We reviewed and discussed that Incident Reports should be logged immediately following the report being completed I suggest that all staff be trained and required to submit the report to administrative staff daily. (g) An incident log shall be completed any time an incident report is completed. This log shall: (1) include the name of the child; (2) include the date of the incident; (3) include the date the incident report was submitted to the Division, if applicable; (4) include the name of the staff member who complete the incident report; (5) be cumulative and maintained in a separate file; and (6) be available for review by a representative of the Division. This log shall be completed on a form provided by the Division. A copy of the log may be found on the Division's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/incident_log_i.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105723-723. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0326-230L Visit Date: 3/24/2026 Number Present: 92 Completed Date: 3/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 87%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. A Written Warning issued November 24, 2025, was prominently posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, Anna Smith, Communications Director, and Khalia Frazier, Program Coordinator. Bobbi Whitehead, Director joined us. I stated the purpose for the visit and met with Ms. Whitehead, Ms. Lamar, Ms. Smith and Ms. Frazier to discuss the allegations and items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Infant Feeding Schedules are not followed. Infant diapering routines are not followed. Incident reports are not completed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed four (4) administrative staff and three infant classroom (3) teachers. I was provided with infant feeding schedules, diapering documentation and incident reports for the weeks of March 3, 2026, and March 10, 2026. I reviewed feeding plans, observed diapering/feeding white boards and reviewed a random sampling of Bright Wheel App documentation for three (3) children. Ms. Whitehead assisted me during a walkthrough of the facility, I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, music, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Infant Feeding Schedules are not followed is confirmed. Based on review of feeding schedules and Bright Wheel documentation dated March 11, 2026, it was not documented that a child attending from 8:23 am – 5:17 pm was offered or consumed food after 11:30 am. The feeding schedule instructed that the child receive bottles every 3-4 hours. Infant diapering routines are not followed is not confirmed. Based on interviews and Bright Wheel documentation children are changed on demand, as needed and not to exceed two (2) hours. Children are allowed to sleep through a nap and changed upon waking. All staff interviewed stated that diapers are routinely checked, changed and documented on a whiteboard. Later, when children are settled, Bright Wheel will be updated to reflect the times on the white board. I observed diapering routines and documentation and found in compliance. Incident reports are not completed as required is confirmed. Based on interviews with administrative on March 5, 2026, it was reported by a parent to administrative staff that a child had a scratch located on torso near armpit. The administrator stated that the incident was documented and filed as reported by the parent in an email. A parent signature was not obtained regarding the incident documentation. The staff did not see an incident resulting in a scratch and did not confirm the incident happened at the facility so did not complete an NCDCDEE Incident Report. I reviewed Incident Log for the weeks of March 3 and March 10 and found two incident reports not logged in for the week of March 10, 2026. I reviewed two additional incident reports. A report March 12, 2026, did not document the name of the injured child, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. A report dated March 13, 2026, did not have the date signed by the parent, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. In Space 117 on March 11, 2026, it was not documented that a child attending from 8:23 am – 5:17 pm was offered or consumed food after 11:30 am. The feeding schedule instructed that the child receive bottles every 3-4 hours. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. In Space 117, on March 5, 2025, a report was not completed following a parent alerting the center regarding a scratch on a child's torso. On March 12, 2026, an incident report did not document the name of the injured child, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. On March 13, 2026, an incident report did not have the date signed by the parent, the date, time and by whom the parent was contacted. .0802 (e) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Two (2) incident reports dated March 12, 2026 and March 13, 2026 were not logged on the Incident Log. .0802(g)(1-6) Compliance Statement 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 7, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Feeding Schedules We discussed the importance of accurate documentation and the following rule: 10A NCAC 09 .0902 REQUIREMENTS FOR INFANTS (a) The parent or health care provider of each child under 15 months of age shall provide the center an individual written feeding plan for the child. This plan shall be followed at the center. This plan shall include the child's name, be signed by the parent or health care provider, and be dated when received by the center. Each infant's plan shall be modified in consultation with the child's parent or health care provider to reflect changes in the child's needs as he or she develops. The feeding instructions for each infant shall include the type and amount of milk, formula and food, the frequency of feedings and be posted for reference by the caregivers. Diapering Routines We discussed the importance of documentation and that you will continue to follow the following rule: 10A NCAC 09 .0806 TOILETING, CLOTHING AND LINENS (a) Diapers shall be changed whenever they become soiled or wet and not on a shift basis. Incident Reports I will email you a sample Incident Form outlining requirements for completing. We reviewed an incident report together and discussed how to complete it for alleged incidents regardless of observing the incident or injury at the center or when a parent finds an injury at home. We discussed documenting all alleged and witnessed incidents as follows: 10A NCAC 09 .0802 EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE (e) The child care provider shall complete an incident report each time a child is injured as a result of an incident occurring while the child is in care. This incident report shall include: (1) facility identifying information; (2) the child's name; (3) date and time of the incident; (4) witness to the incident; (5) time the parent is notified of the incident and by whom; (6) piece of equipment involved, if applicable; (7) cause of injury, if applicable; (8) type of injury, if applicable; (9) body part injured, if applicable; (10) where the child received medical treatment, if applicable; (11) description of how and where the incident occurred, and the First Aid received; and (12) steps taken to prevent reoccurrence. This report shall be signed by the person completing it and by the parent, a copy given to the parent or the parent declining a copy and the report maintained in the child's file. A copy of the form may be found on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/pdf_forms/DCDEE-0058.pdf. Incident Log We reviewed and discussed that Incident Reports should be logged immediately following the report being completed I suggest that all staff be trained and required to submit the report to administrative staff daily. (g) An incident log shall be completed any time an incident report is completed. This log shall: (1) include the name of the child; (2) include the date of the incident; (3) include the date the incident report was submitted to the Division, if applicable; (4) include the name of the staff member who complete the incident report; (5) be cumulative and maintained in a separate file; and (6) be available for review by a representative of the Division. This log shall be completed on a form provided by the Division. A copy of the log may be found on the Division's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/I/incident_log_i.pdf?ver=2017-05-16-105723-723. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/16/2026 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 2/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 24, 2025. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 86%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 13, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on February 16, 2026, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, assisted me with today’s visit. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, joined us and we met briefly to discuss the visit. Ms. Whitehead shared she is currently working a modified schedule due to medical reasons. Ms. Lamar assisted me with the visit today. I stated the reason for the visit. We reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and the technical assistance included in the comments section of the visit summary. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. The AA was posted as required on the program bulletin board at the entrance of the facility. I delivered the Written Warning to the facility on December 2, 2025. I conducted a phone review of the Written Warning (WW) with Ms. Whitehead Monday, December 10, 2025. The pastor of Grace Life emailed me December 18, 2025, to update me regarding Ms. Whitehead’s medical leave. Ms. Lamar shared she will be working a very limited schedule limited to administrative duties until further notice. The following stipulations and corrective action were reviewed: Stipulation 1 requires the child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements including, but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a) regarding staff/child ratios • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision The Annual Compliance Visit was conducted today and violations were citesd. This stipulation is not met. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: A+ Supervision within one (1) week of the WW received. Due to medical leave, Ms. Whitehead was not able to schedule the training within one 91) week. Ms. Lamar reached out to Jennifer Kappas, Tuesday, December 6, 2026. The training was scheduled for January 26, 2026 from 6 pm – 8 pm and rescheduled due to inclement weather. The new training is scheduled for February 26, 2026. This stipulation is met. Stipulation # 3 requires that within two (2) weeks after the required supervision training is completed, Ms. Whitehead shall review and revise the facility’s supervision policy and staffing pattern plan to incorporate strategies learned in the training. The policy, procedures, and plan should describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure children are adequately supervised and staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. This will be due to me on or before March 12, 2026. Stipulation # 4 requires that within one (1) week after notification from the Division that the stipulation has been met for the policy, procedures, and plan related to supervision and staffing, Ms. Whitehead shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the policy, procedures, and staffing plan. Ms. Whitehead or Ms. Lamar will email me the staff meeting date as soon as it is scheduled. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Lamar. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for lunch time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, and free play. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep policy posted however it was not customized. Ms. Lamar showed me the customized policy included in the parent handbook. She will post the one given to parent in all rooms serving infants. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets dated the week of February 9, 2026. A violation was cited. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored topical ointments today and found no violations. There are currently two (2) children enrolled requiring emergency medications. I monitored the medications. Violations were cited. I monitored each indoor and outdoor areas for safe environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. The outdoor area was clean, and equipment was found in good repair. The resilient surface was adequate.The facility has installed rubber mulch recently. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted January 15, 2026. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 15, 2025, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 20, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated March 10, 2025, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center does not provide transportation. Eleven (11) children’s files were selected, reviewed and violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Seven (7) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. ABCMS was monitored and found in compliance. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a summary of law on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. GS 110-102 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In Space 101, the safety outlet plate was not attached to the outlet next to the handwashing sink. On the preschool outdoor playground, the box containing phone wires was not covered accessible to children and exposed tree roots posed a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 117, hand cream stating keep out of reach or children, white out , a teacher's purse was accessible to children containing vitamins and a teacher's backpack was accessible to children containing hair product stating keep out of reach of children. .2820(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 101, a lollipop wrapped in plastic a a feather were in a child's backpack accessible to children. In Space 103, matchbox toy cars with small wheels and a baggie with gloves in a child's backpack were accessible to children. In Space 104 ,plastic wrapped diapers were accessible to children. In Space 105, plastic grocery bags, small snowflakes wrapped in plastic were accessible to children. In Space 115, tissue paper wrapped in plastic located in an unlocked cabinet was accessible to children. In Space 117, plastic grocery bags and bells in a baggie were in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children. .0604(q) 895 Infants under the age of 12 months were not placed on their backs for sleeping unless the center had obtained the appropriate written waiver. In Space 117, it was documented that on 2/12/2026 at 11:13 am a child was initially placed on side to sleep. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have a health assessment on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have immunization record on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. .1804(c) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025.One (1) child enrolled 4/24/2025 had a policy on file not dated. .0608(b) 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. One (1) employee hired 5/25/16 had a policy on file dated 4/6/2017. One (1) employee hired 9/23/2020 had a policy on file dated 9/28/2020. One (1) Employee hired 7/14/2025 did not have a signed and dated policy on file. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In Space 103, the permission to administer form for Benadryl was date 4/3/20205. In Space 115, a child requiring Cetirizine did not have the medication on site and the Auvi-Q did not have a permission to administer form on file. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Compliance Statement: 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 March 2, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Children’s Files Monitor all dates and signatures closely. You can use the Children’s Records sheet left today to better understand the requirements for children’s files. The checklist is a helpful tool as we discussed. You will need to make sure it is filled out in order for it to be useful. Staff Files I suggest you use the staff and training worksheets to better organize your staff files. You need to store any documents containing medical information in a separate file. The staff applications should be competed with all work experience and be signed and dated. We discussed filing all documents immediately upon receipt to keep you files in compliance at all times. Storage of Hazardous Materials, Small Parts and Plastic Please review your previous visit summaries. This is a repeat violation. I suggest you meet with your staff to review all of these items. I suggest that you remind your staff to lock up their purses before entering the classroom and to check all bags brought from home upon arrival. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. . If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/16/2026 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 2/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 24, 2025. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 86%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 13, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on February 16, 2026, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, assisted me with today’s visit. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, joined us and we met briefly to discuss the visit. Ms. Whitehead shared she is currently working a modified schedule due to medical reasons. Ms. Lamar assisted me with the visit today. I stated the reason for the visit. We reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and the technical assistance included in the comments section of the visit summary. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. The AA was posted as required on the program bulletin board at the entrance of the facility. I delivered the Written Warning to the facility on December 2, 2025. I conducted a phone review of the Written Warning (WW) with Ms. Whitehead Monday, December 10, 2025. The pastor of Grace Life emailed me December 18, 2025, to update me regarding Ms. Whitehead’s medical leave. Ms. Lamar shared she will be working a very limited schedule limited to administrative duties until further notice. The following stipulations and corrective action were reviewed: Stipulation 1 requires the child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements including, but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a) regarding staff/child ratios • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision The Annual Compliance Visit was conducted today and violations were citesd. This stipulation is not met. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: A+ Supervision within one (1) week of the WW received. Due to medical leave, Ms. Whitehead was not able to schedule the training within one 91) week. Ms. Lamar reached out to Jennifer Kappas, Tuesday, December 6, 2026. The training was scheduled for January 26, 2026 from 6 pm – 8 pm and rescheduled due to inclement weather. The new training is scheduled for February 26, 2026. This stipulation is met. Stipulation # 3 requires that within two (2) weeks after the required supervision training is completed, Ms. Whitehead shall review and revise the facility’s supervision policy and staffing pattern plan to incorporate strategies learned in the training. The policy, procedures, and plan should describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure children are adequately supervised and staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. This will be due to me on or before March 12, 2026. Stipulation # 4 requires that within one (1) week after notification from the Division that the stipulation has been met for the policy, procedures, and plan related to supervision and staffing, Ms. Whitehead shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the policy, procedures, and staffing plan. Ms. Whitehead or Ms. Lamar will email me the staff meeting date as soon as it is scheduled. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Lamar. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for lunch time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, and free play. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep policy posted however it was not customized. Ms. Lamar showed me the customized policy included in the parent handbook. She will post the one given to parent in all rooms serving infants. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets dated the week of February 9, 2026. A violation was cited. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored topical ointments today and found no violations. There are currently two (2) children enrolled requiring emergency medications. I monitored the medications. Violations were cited. I monitored each indoor and outdoor areas for safe environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. The outdoor area was clean, and equipment was found in good repair. The resilient surface was adequate.The facility has installed rubber mulch recently. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted January 15, 2026. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 15, 2025, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 20, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated March 10, 2025, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center does not provide transportation. Eleven (11) children’s files were selected, reviewed and violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Seven (7) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. ABCMS was monitored and found in compliance. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a summary of law on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. GS 110-102 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In Space 101, the safety outlet plate was not attached to the outlet next to the handwashing sink. On the preschool outdoor playground, the box containing phone wires was not covered accessible to children and exposed tree roots posed a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 117, hand cream stating keep out of reach or children, white out , a teacher's purse was accessible to children containing vitamins and a teacher's backpack was accessible to children containing hair product stating keep out of reach of children. .2820(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 101, a lollipop wrapped in plastic a a feather were in a child's backpack accessible to children. In Space 103, matchbox toy cars with small wheels and a baggie with gloves in a child's backpack were accessible to children. In Space 104 ,plastic wrapped diapers were accessible to children. In Space 105, plastic grocery bags, small snowflakes wrapped in plastic were accessible to children. In Space 115, tissue paper wrapped in plastic located in an unlocked cabinet was accessible to children. In Space 117, plastic grocery bags and bells in a baggie were in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children. .0604(q) 895 Infants under the age of 12 months were not placed on their backs for sleeping unless the center had obtained the appropriate written waiver. In Space 117, it was documented that on 2/12/2026 at 11:13 am a child was initially placed on side to sleep. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have a health assessment on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have immunization record on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. .1804(c) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025.One (1) child enrolled 4/24/2025 had a policy on file not dated. .0608(b) 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. One (1) employee hired 5/25/16 had a policy on file dated 4/6/2017. One (1) employee hired 9/23/2020 had a policy on file dated 9/28/2020. One (1) Employee hired 7/14/2025 did not have a signed and dated policy on file. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In Space 103, the permission to administer form for Benadryl was date 4/3/20205. In Space 115, a child requiring Cetirizine did not have the medication on site and the Auvi-Q did not have a permission to administer form on file. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Compliance Statement: 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 March 2, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Children’s Files Monitor all dates and signatures closely. You can use the Children’s Records sheet left today to better understand the requirements for children’s files. The checklist is a helpful tool as we discussed. You will need to make sure it is filled out in order for it to be useful. Staff Files I suggest you use the staff and training worksheets to better organize your staff files. You need to store any documents containing medical information in a separate file. The staff applications should be competed with all work experience and be signed and dated. We discussed filing all documents immediately upon receipt to keep you files in compliance at all times. Storage of Hazardous Materials, Small Parts and Plastic Please review your previous visit summaries. This is a repeat violation. I suggest you meet with your staff to review all of these items. I suggest that you remind your staff to lock up their purses before entering the classroom and to check all bags brought from home upon arrival. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. . 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/16/2026 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 2/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 24, 2025. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 86%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 13, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on February 16, 2026, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, assisted me with today’s visit. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, joined us and we met briefly to discuss the visit. Ms. Whitehead shared she is currently working a modified schedule due to medical reasons. Ms. Lamar assisted me with the visit today. I stated the reason for the visit. We reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and the technical assistance included in the comments section of the visit summary. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. The AA was posted as required on the program bulletin board at the entrance of the facility. I delivered the Written Warning to the facility on December 2, 2025. I conducted a phone review of the Written Warning (WW) with Ms. Whitehead Monday, December 10, 2025. The pastor of Grace Life emailed me December 18, 2025, to update me regarding Ms. Whitehead’s medical leave. Ms. Lamar shared she will be working a very limited schedule limited to administrative duties until further notice. The following stipulations and corrective action were reviewed: Stipulation 1 requires the child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements including, but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a) regarding staff/child ratios • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision The Annual Compliance Visit was conducted today and violations were citesd. This stipulation is not met. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: A+ Supervision within one (1) week of the WW received. Due to medical leave, Ms. Whitehead was not able to schedule the training within one 91) week. Ms. Lamar reached out to Jennifer Kappas, Tuesday, December 6, 2026. The training was scheduled for January 26, 2026 from 6 pm – 8 pm and rescheduled due to inclement weather. The new training is scheduled for February 26, 2026. This stipulation is met. Stipulation # 3 requires that within two (2) weeks after the required supervision training is completed, Ms. Whitehead shall review and revise the facility’s supervision policy and staffing pattern plan to incorporate strategies learned in the training. The policy, procedures, and plan should describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure children are adequately supervised and staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. This will be due to me on or before March 12, 2026. Stipulation # 4 requires that within one (1) week after notification from the Division that the stipulation has been met for the policy, procedures, and plan related to supervision and staffing, Ms. Whitehead shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the policy, procedures, and staffing plan. Ms. Whitehead or Ms. Lamar will email me the staff meeting date as soon as it is scheduled. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Lamar. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for lunch time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, and free play. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep policy posted however it was not customized. Ms. Lamar showed me the customized policy included in the parent handbook. She will post the one given to parent in all rooms serving infants. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets dated the week of February 9, 2026. A violation was cited. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored topical ointments today and found no violations. There are currently two (2) children enrolled requiring emergency medications. I monitored the medications. Violations were cited. I monitored each indoor and outdoor areas for safe environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. The outdoor area was clean, and equipment was found in good repair. The resilient surface was adequate.The facility has installed rubber mulch recently. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted January 15, 2026. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 15, 2025, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 20, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated March 10, 2025, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center does not provide transportation. Eleven (11) children’s files were selected, reviewed and violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Seven (7) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. ABCMS was monitored and found in compliance. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a summary of law on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. GS 110-102 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In Space 101, the safety outlet plate was not attached to the outlet next to the handwashing sink. On the preschool outdoor playground, the box containing phone wires was not covered accessible to children and exposed tree roots posed a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 117, hand cream stating keep out of reach or children, white out , a teacher's purse was accessible to children containing vitamins and a teacher's backpack was accessible to children containing hair product stating keep out of reach of children. .2820(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 101, a lollipop wrapped in plastic a a feather were in a child's backpack accessible to children. In Space 103, matchbox toy cars with small wheels and a baggie with gloves in a child's backpack were accessible to children. In Space 104 ,plastic wrapped diapers were accessible to children. In Space 105, plastic grocery bags, small snowflakes wrapped in plastic were accessible to children. In Space 115, tissue paper wrapped in plastic located in an unlocked cabinet was accessible to children. In Space 117, plastic grocery bags and bells in a baggie were in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children. .0604(q) 895 Infants under the age of 12 months were not placed on their backs for sleeping unless the center had obtained the appropriate written waiver. In Space 117, it was documented that on 2/12/2026 at 11:13 am a child was initially placed on side to sleep. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have a health assessment on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have immunization record on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. .1804(c) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025.One (1) child enrolled 4/24/2025 had a policy on file not dated. .0608(b) 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. One (1) employee hired 5/25/16 had a policy on file dated 4/6/2017. One (1) employee hired 9/23/2020 had a policy on file dated 9/28/2020. One (1) Employee hired 7/14/2025 did not have a signed and dated policy on file. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In Space 103, the permission to administer form for Benadryl was date 4/3/20205. In Space 115, a child requiring Cetirizine did not have the medication on site and the Auvi-Q did not have a permission to administer form on file. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Compliance Statement: 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 March 2, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Children’s Files Monitor all dates and signatures closely. You can use the Children’s Records sheet left today to better understand the requirements for children’s files. The checklist is a helpful tool as we discussed. You will need to make sure it is filled out in order for it to be useful. Staff Files I suggest you use the staff and training worksheets to better organize your staff files. You need to store any documents containing medical information in a separate file. The staff applications should be competed with all work experience and be signed and dated. We discussed filing all documents immediately upon receipt to keep you files in compliance at all times. Storage of Hazardous Materials, Small Parts and Plastic Please review your previous visit summaries. This is a repeat violation. I suggest you meet with your staff to review all of these items. I suggest that you remind your staff to lock up their purses before entering the classroom and to check all bags brought from home upon arrival. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. . 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/16/2026 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 2/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 24, 2025. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 86%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 13, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on February 16, 2026, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, assisted me with today’s visit. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, joined us and we met briefly to discuss the visit. Ms. Whitehead shared she is currently working a modified schedule due to medical reasons. Ms. Lamar assisted me with the visit today. I stated the reason for the visit. We reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and the technical assistance included in the comments section of the visit summary. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. The AA was posted as required on the program bulletin board at the entrance of the facility. I delivered the Written Warning to the facility on December 2, 2025. I conducted a phone review of the Written Warning (WW) with Ms. Whitehead Monday, December 10, 2025. The pastor of Grace Life emailed me December 18, 2025, to update me regarding Ms. Whitehead’s medical leave. Ms. Lamar shared she will be working a very limited schedule limited to administrative duties until further notice. The following stipulations and corrective action were reviewed: Stipulation 1 requires the child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements including, but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a) regarding staff/child ratios • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision The Annual Compliance Visit was conducted today and violations were citesd. This stipulation is not met. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: A+ Supervision within one (1) week of the WW received. Due to medical leave, Ms. Whitehead was not able to schedule the training within one 91) week. Ms. Lamar reached out to Jennifer Kappas, Tuesday, December 6, 2026. The training was scheduled for January 26, 2026 from 6 pm – 8 pm and rescheduled due to inclement weather. The new training is scheduled for February 26, 2026. This stipulation is met. Stipulation # 3 requires that within two (2) weeks after the required supervision training is completed, Ms. Whitehead shall review and revise the facility’s supervision policy and staffing pattern plan to incorporate strategies learned in the training. The policy, procedures, and plan should describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure children are adequately supervised and staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. This will be due to me on or before March 12, 2026. Stipulation # 4 requires that within one (1) week after notification from the Division that the stipulation has been met for the policy, procedures, and plan related to supervision and staffing, Ms. Whitehead shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the policy, procedures, and staffing plan. Ms. Whitehead or Ms. Lamar will email me the staff meeting date as soon as it is scheduled. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Lamar. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for lunch time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, and free play. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep policy posted however it was not customized. Ms. Lamar showed me the customized policy included in the parent handbook. She will post the one given to parent in all rooms serving infants. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets dated the week of February 9, 2026. A violation was cited. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored topical ointments today and found no violations. There are currently two (2) children enrolled requiring emergency medications. I monitored the medications. Violations were cited. I monitored each indoor and outdoor areas for safe environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. The outdoor area was clean, and equipment was found in good repair. The resilient surface was adequate.The facility has installed rubber mulch recently. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted January 15, 2026. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 15, 2025, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 20, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated March 10, 2025, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center does not provide transportation. Eleven (11) children’s files were selected, reviewed and violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Seven (7) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. ABCMS was monitored and found in compliance. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a summary of law on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. GS 110-102 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In Space 101, the safety outlet plate was not attached to the outlet next to the handwashing sink. On the preschool outdoor playground, the box containing phone wires was not covered accessible to children and exposed tree roots posed a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 117, hand cream stating keep out of reach or children, white out , a teacher's purse was accessible to children containing vitamins and a teacher's backpack was accessible to children containing hair product stating keep out of reach of children. .2820(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 101, a lollipop wrapped in plastic a a feather were in a child's backpack accessible to children. In Space 103, matchbox toy cars with small wheels and a baggie with gloves in a child's backpack were accessible to children. In Space 104 ,plastic wrapped diapers were accessible to children. In Space 105, plastic grocery bags, small snowflakes wrapped in plastic were accessible to children. In Space 115, tissue paper wrapped in plastic located in an unlocked cabinet was accessible to children. In Space 117, plastic grocery bags and bells in a baggie were in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children. .0604(q) 895 Infants under the age of 12 months were not placed on their backs for sleeping unless the center had obtained the appropriate written waiver. In Space 117, it was documented that on 2/12/2026 at 11:13 am a child was initially placed on side to sleep. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have a health assessment on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have immunization record on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. .1804(c) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025.One (1) child enrolled 4/24/2025 had a policy on file not dated. .0608(b) 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. One (1) employee hired 5/25/16 had a policy on file dated 4/6/2017. One (1) employee hired 9/23/2020 had a policy on file dated 9/28/2020. One (1) Employee hired 7/14/2025 did not have a signed and dated policy on file. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In Space 103, the permission to administer form for Benadryl was date 4/3/20205. In Space 115, a child requiring Cetirizine did not have the medication on site and the Auvi-Q did not have a permission to administer form on file. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Compliance Statement: 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 March 2, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Children’s Files Monitor all dates and signatures closely. You can use the Children’s Records sheet left today to better understand the requirements for children’s files. The checklist is a helpful tool as we discussed. You will need to make sure it is filled out in order for it to be useful. Staff Files I suggest you use the staff and training worksheets to better organize your staff files. You need to store any documents containing medical information in a separate file. The staff applications should be competed with all work experience and be signed and dated. We discussed filing all documents immediately upon receipt to keep you files in compliance at all times. Storage of Hazardous Materials, Small Parts and Plastic Please review your previous visit summaries. This is a repeat violation. I suggest you meet with your staff to review all of these items. I suggest that you remind your staff to lock up their purses before entering the classroom and to check all bags brought from home upon arrival. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. . 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/16/2026 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 2/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 24, 2025. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 86%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 13, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on February 16, 2026, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, assisted me with today’s visit. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, joined us and we met briefly to discuss the visit. Ms. Whitehead shared she is currently working a modified schedule due to medical reasons. Ms. Lamar assisted me with the visit today. I stated the reason for the visit. We reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and the technical assistance included in the comments section of the visit summary. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. The AA was posted as required on the program bulletin board at the entrance of the facility. I delivered the Written Warning to the facility on December 2, 2025. I conducted a phone review of the Written Warning (WW) with Ms. Whitehead Monday, December 10, 2025. The pastor of Grace Life emailed me December 18, 2025, to update me regarding Ms. Whitehead’s medical leave. Ms. Lamar shared she will be working a very limited schedule limited to administrative duties until further notice. The following stipulations and corrective action were reviewed: Stipulation 1 requires the child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements including, but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a) regarding staff/child ratios • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision The Annual Compliance Visit was conducted today and violations were citesd. This stipulation is not met. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: A+ Supervision within one (1) week of the WW received. Due to medical leave, Ms. Whitehead was not able to schedule the training within one 91) week. Ms. Lamar reached out to Jennifer Kappas, Tuesday, December 6, 2026. The training was scheduled for January 26, 2026 from 6 pm – 8 pm and rescheduled due to inclement weather. The new training is scheduled for February 26, 2026. This stipulation is met. Stipulation # 3 requires that within two (2) weeks after the required supervision training is completed, Ms. Whitehead shall review and revise the facility’s supervision policy and staffing pattern plan to incorporate strategies learned in the training. The policy, procedures, and plan should describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure children are adequately supervised and staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. This will be due to me on or before March 12, 2026. Stipulation # 4 requires that within one (1) week after notification from the Division that the stipulation has been met for the policy, procedures, and plan related to supervision and staffing, Ms. Whitehead shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the policy, procedures, and staffing plan. Ms. Whitehead or Ms. Lamar will email me the staff meeting date as soon as it is scheduled. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Lamar. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for lunch time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, and free play. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep policy posted however it was not customized. Ms. Lamar showed me the customized policy included in the parent handbook. She will post the one given to parent in all rooms serving infants. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets dated the week of February 9, 2026. A violation was cited. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored topical ointments today and found no violations. There are currently two (2) children enrolled requiring emergency medications. I monitored the medications. Violations were cited. I monitored each indoor and outdoor areas for safe environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. The outdoor area was clean, and equipment was found in good repair. The resilient surface was adequate.The facility has installed rubber mulch recently. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted January 15, 2026. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 15, 2025, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 20, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated March 10, 2025, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center does not provide transportation. Eleven (11) children’s files were selected, reviewed and violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Seven (7) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. ABCMS was monitored and found in compliance. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a summary of law on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. GS 110-102 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In Space 101, the safety outlet plate was not attached to the outlet next to the handwashing sink. On the preschool outdoor playground, the box containing phone wires was not covered accessible to children and exposed tree roots posed a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 117, hand cream stating keep out of reach or children, white out , a teacher's purse was accessible to children containing vitamins and a teacher's backpack was accessible to children containing hair product stating keep out of reach of children. .2820(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 101, a lollipop wrapped in plastic a a feather were in a child's backpack accessible to children. In Space 103, matchbox toy cars with small wheels and a baggie with gloves in a child's backpack were accessible to children. In Space 104 ,plastic wrapped diapers were accessible to children. In Space 105, plastic grocery bags, small snowflakes wrapped in plastic were accessible to children. In Space 115, tissue paper wrapped in plastic located in an unlocked cabinet was accessible to children. In Space 117, plastic grocery bags and bells in a baggie were in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children. .0604(q) 895 Infants under the age of 12 months were not placed on their backs for sleeping unless the center had obtained the appropriate written waiver. In Space 117, it was documented that on 2/12/2026 at 11:13 am a child was initially placed on side to sleep. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have a health assessment on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have immunization record on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. .1804(c) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025.One (1) child enrolled 4/24/2025 had a policy on file not dated. .0608(b) 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. One (1) employee hired 5/25/16 had a policy on file dated 4/6/2017. One (1) employee hired 9/23/2020 had a policy on file dated 9/28/2020. One (1) Employee hired 7/14/2025 did not have a signed and dated policy on file. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In Space 103, the permission to administer form for Benadryl was date 4/3/20205. In Space 115, a child requiring Cetirizine did not have the medication on site and the Auvi-Q did not have a permission to administer form on file. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Compliance Statement: 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 March 2, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Children’s Files Monitor all dates and signatures closely. You can use the Children’s Records sheet left today to better understand the requirements for children’s files. The checklist is a helpful tool as we discussed. You will need to make sure it is filled out in order for it to be useful. Staff Files I suggest you use the staff and training worksheets to better organize your staff files. You need to store any documents containing medical information in a separate file. The staff applications should be competed with all work experience and be signed and dated. We discussed filing all documents immediately upon receipt to keep you files in compliance at all times. Storage of Hazardous Materials, Small Parts and Plastic Please review your previous visit summaries. This is a repeat violation. I suggest you meet with your staff to review all of these items. I suggest that you remind your staff to lock up their purses before entering the classroom and to check all bags brought from home upon arrival. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. . 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/16/2026 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 2/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 24, 2025. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 86%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 13, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on February 16, 2026, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, assisted me with today’s visit. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, joined us and we met briefly to discuss the visit. Ms. Whitehead shared she is currently working a modified schedule due to medical reasons. Ms. Lamar assisted me with the visit today. I stated the reason for the visit. We reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and the technical assistance included in the comments section of the visit summary. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. The AA was posted as required on the program bulletin board at the entrance of the facility. I delivered the Written Warning to the facility on December 2, 2025. I conducted a phone review of the Written Warning (WW) with Ms. Whitehead Monday, December 10, 2025. The pastor of Grace Life emailed me December 18, 2025, to update me regarding Ms. Whitehead’s medical leave. Ms. Lamar shared she will be working a very limited schedule limited to administrative duties until further notice. The following stipulations and corrective action were reviewed: Stipulation 1 requires the child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements including, but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a) regarding staff/child ratios • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision The Annual Compliance Visit was conducted today and violations were citesd. This stipulation is not met. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: A+ Supervision within one (1) week of the WW received. Due to medical leave, Ms. Whitehead was not able to schedule the training within one 91) week. Ms. Lamar reached out to Jennifer Kappas, Tuesday, December 6, 2026. The training was scheduled for January 26, 2026 from 6 pm – 8 pm and rescheduled due to inclement weather. The new training is scheduled for February 26, 2026. This stipulation is met. Stipulation # 3 requires that within two (2) weeks after the required supervision training is completed, Ms. Whitehead shall review and revise the facility’s supervision policy and staffing pattern plan to incorporate strategies learned in the training. The policy, procedures, and plan should describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure children are adequately supervised and staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. This will be due to me on or before March 12, 2026. Stipulation # 4 requires that within one (1) week after notification from the Division that the stipulation has been met for the policy, procedures, and plan related to supervision and staffing, Ms. Whitehead shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the policy, procedures, and staffing plan. Ms. Whitehead or Ms. Lamar will email me the staff meeting date as soon as it is scheduled. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Lamar. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for lunch time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, and free play. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep policy posted however it was not customized. Ms. Lamar showed me the customized policy included in the parent handbook. She will post the one given to parent in all rooms serving infants. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets dated the week of February 9, 2026. A violation was cited. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored topical ointments today and found no violations. There are currently two (2) children enrolled requiring emergency medications. I monitored the medications. Violations were cited. I monitored each indoor and outdoor areas for safe environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. The outdoor area was clean, and equipment was found in good repair. The resilient surface was adequate.The facility has installed rubber mulch recently. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted January 15, 2026. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 15, 2025, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 20, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated March 10, 2025, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center does not provide transportation. Eleven (11) children’s files were selected, reviewed and violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Seven (7) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. ABCMS was monitored and found in compliance. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a summary of law on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. GS 110-102 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In Space 101, the safety outlet plate was not attached to the outlet next to the handwashing sink. On the preschool outdoor playground, the box containing phone wires was not covered accessible to children and exposed tree roots posed a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 117, hand cream stating keep out of reach or children, white out , a teacher's purse was accessible to children containing vitamins and a teacher's backpack was accessible to children containing hair product stating keep out of reach of children. .2820(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 101, a lollipop wrapped in plastic a a feather were in a child's backpack accessible to children. In Space 103, matchbox toy cars with small wheels and a baggie with gloves in a child's backpack were accessible to children. In Space 104 ,plastic wrapped diapers were accessible to children. In Space 105, plastic grocery bags, small snowflakes wrapped in plastic were accessible to children. In Space 115, tissue paper wrapped in plastic located in an unlocked cabinet was accessible to children. In Space 117, plastic grocery bags and bells in a baggie were in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children. .0604(q) 895 Infants under the age of 12 months were not placed on their backs for sleeping unless the center had obtained the appropriate written waiver. In Space 117, it was documented that on 2/12/2026 at 11:13 am a child was initially placed on side to sleep. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have a health assessment on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have immunization record on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. .1804(c) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025.One (1) child enrolled 4/24/2025 had a policy on file not dated. .0608(b) 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. One (1) employee hired 5/25/16 had a policy on file dated 4/6/2017. One (1) employee hired 9/23/2020 had a policy on file dated 9/28/2020. One (1) Employee hired 7/14/2025 did not have a signed and dated policy on file. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In Space 103, the permission to administer form for Benadryl was date 4/3/20205. In Space 115, a child requiring Cetirizine did not have the medication on site and the Auvi-Q did not have a permission to administer form on file. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Compliance Statement: 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 March 2, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Children’s Files Monitor all dates and signatures closely. You can use the Children’s Records sheet left today to better understand the requirements for children’s files. The checklist is a helpful tool as we discussed. You will need to make sure it is filled out in order for it to be useful. Staff Files I suggest you use the staff and training worksheets to better organize your staff files. You need to store any documents containing medical information in a separate file. The staff applications should be competed with all work experience and be signed and dated. We discussed filing all documents immediately upon receipt to keep you files in compliance at all times. Storage of Hazardous Materials, Small Parts and Plastic Please review your previous visit summaries. This is a repeat violation. I suggest you meet with your staff to review all of these items. I suggest that you remind your staff to lock up their purses before entering the classroom and to check all bags brought from home upon arrival. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. . 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 110-106 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/16/2026 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 2/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 24, 2025. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 86%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 13, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on February 16, 2026, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, assisted me with today’s visit. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, joined us and we met briefly to discuss the visit. Ms. Whitehead shared she is currently working a modified schedule due to medical reasons. Ms. Lamar assisted me with the visit today. I stated the reason for the visit. We reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and the technical assistance included in the comments section of the visit summary. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. The AA was posted as required on the program bulletin board at the entrance of the facility. I delivered the Written Warning to the facility on December 2, 2025. I conducted a phone review of the Written Warning (WW) with Ms. Whitehead Monday, December 10, 2025. The pastor of Grace Life emailed me December 18, 2025, to update me regarding Ms. Whitehead’s medical leave. Ms. Lamar shared she will be working a very limited schedule limited to administrative duties until further notice. The following stipulations and corrective action were reviewed: Stipulation 1 requires the child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements including, but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a) regarding staff/child ratios • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision The Annual Compliance Visit was conducted today and violations were citesd. This stipulation is not met. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: A+ Supervision within one (1) week of the WW received. Due to medical leave, Ms. Whitehead was not able to schedule the training within one 91) week. Ms. Lamar reached out to Jennifer Kappas, Tuesday, December 6, 2026. The training was scheduled for January 26, 2026 from 6 pm – 8 pm and rescheduled due to inclement weather. The new training is scheduled for February 26, 2026. This stipulation is met. Stipulation # 3 requires that within two (2) weeks after the required supervision training is completed, Ms. Whitehead shall review and revise the facility’s supervision policy and staffing pattern plan to incorporate strategies learned in the training. The policy, procedures, and plan should describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure children are adequately supervised and staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. This will be due to me on or before March 12, 2026. Stipulation # 4 requires that within one (1) week after notification from the Division that the stipulation has been met for the policy, procedures, and plan related to supervision and staffing, Ms. Whitehead shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the policy, procedures, and staffing plan. Ms. Whitehead or Ms. Lamar will email me the staff meeting date as soon as it is scheduled. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Lamar. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for lunch time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, and free play. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep policy posted however it was not customized. Ms. Lamar showed me the customized policy included in the parent handbook. She will post the one given to parent in all rooms serving infants. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets dated the week of February 9, 2026. A violation was cited. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored topical ointments today and found no violations. There are currently two (2) children enrolled requiring emergency medications. I monitored the medications. Violations were cited. I monitored each indoor and outdoor areas for safe environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. The outdoor area was clean, and equipment was found in good repair. The resilient surface was adequate.The facility has installed rubber mulch recently. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted January 15, 2026. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 15, 2025, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 20, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated March 10, 2025, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center does not provide transportation. Eleven (11) children’s files were selected, reviewed and violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Seven (7) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. ABCMS was monitored and found in compliance. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a summary of law on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. GS 110-102 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In Space 101, the safety outlet plate was not attached to the outlet next to the handwashing sink. On the preschool outdoor playground, the box containing phone wires was not covered accessible to children and exposed tree roots posed a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 117, hand cream stating keep out of reach or children, white out , a teacher's purse was accessible to children containing vitamins and a teacher's backpack was accessible to children containing hair product stating keep out of reach of children. .2820(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 101, a lollipop wrapped in plastic a a feather were in a child's backpack accessible to children. In Space 103, matchbox toy cars with small wheels and a baggie with gloves in a child's backpack were accessible to children. In Space 104 ,plastic wrapped diapers were accessible to children. In Space 105, plastic grocery bags, small snowflakes wrapped in plastic were accessible to children. In Space 115, tissue paper wrapped in plastic located in an unlocked cabinet was accessible to children. In Space 117, plastic grocery bags and bells in a baggie were in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children. .0604(q) 895 Infants under the age of 12 months were not placed on their backs for sleeping unless the center had obtained the appropriate written waiver. In Space 117, it was documented that on 2/12/2026 at 11:13 am a child was initially placed on side to sleep. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have a health assessment on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have immunization record on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. .1804(c) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025.One (1) child enrolled 4/24/2025 had a policy on file not dated. .0608(b) 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. One (1) employee hired 5/25/16 had a policy on file dated 4/6/2017. One (1) employee hired 9/23/2020 had a policy on file dated 9/28/2020. One (1) Employee hired 7/14/2025 did not have a signed and dated policy on file. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In Space 103, the permission to administer form for Benadryl was date 4/3/20205. In Space 115, a child requiring Cetirizine did not have the medication on site and the Auvi-Q did not have a permission to administer form on file. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Compliance Statement: 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 March 2, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Children’s Files Monitor all dates and signatures closely. You can use the Children’s Records sheet left today to better understand the requirements for children’s files. The checklist is a helpful tool as we discussed. You will need to make sure it is filled out in order for it to be useful. Staff Files I suggest you use the staff and training worksheets to better organize your staff files. You need to store any documents containing medical information in a separate file. The staff applications should be competed with all work experience and be signed and dated. We discussed filing all documents immediately upon receipt to keep you files in compliance at all times. Storage of Hazardous Materials, Small Parts and Plastic Please review your previous visit summaries. This is a repeat violation. I suggest you meet with your staff to review all of these items. I suggest that you remind your staff to lock up their purses before entering the classroom and to check all bags brought from home upon arrival. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. . 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/16/2026 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 2/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 24, 2025. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 86%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 13, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on February 16, 2026, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, assisted me with today’s visit. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, joined us and we met briefly to discuss the visit. Ms. Whitehead shared she is currently working a modified schedule due to medical reasons. Ms. Lamar assisted me with the visit today. I stated the reason for the visit. We reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and the technical assistance included in the comments section of the visit summary. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. The AA was posted as required on the program bulletin board at the entrance of the facility. I delivered the Written Warning to the facility on December 2, 2025. I conducted a phone review of the Written Warning (WW) with Ms. Whitehead Monday, December 10, 2025. The pastor of Grace Life emailed me December 18, 2025, to update me regarding Ms. Whitehead’s medical leave. Ms. Lamar shared she will be working a very limited schedule limited to administrative duties until further notice. The following stipulations and corrective action were reviewed: Stipulation 1 requires the child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements including, but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a) regarding staff/child ratios • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision The Annual Compliance Visit was conducted today and violations were citesd. This stipulation is not met. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: A+ Supervision within one (1) week of the WW received. Due to medical leave, Ms. Whitehead was not able to schedule the training within one 91) week. Ms. Lamar reached out to Jennifer Kappas, Tuesday, December 6, 2026. The training was scheduled for January 26, 2026 from 6 pm – 8 pm and rescheduled due to inclement weather. The new training is scheduled for February 26, 2026. This stipulation is met. Stipulation # 3 requires that within two (2) weeks after the required supervision training is completed, Ms. Whitehead shall review and revise the facility’s supervision policy and staffing pattern plan to incorporate strategies learned in the training. The policy, procedures, and plan should describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure children are adequately supervised and staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. This will be due to me on or before March 12, 2026. Stipulation # 4 requires that within one (1) week after notification from the Division that the stipulation has been met for the policy, procedures, and plan related to supervision and staffing, Ms. Whitehead shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the policy, procedures, and staffing plan. Ms. Whitehead or Ms. Lamar will email me the staff meeting date as soon as it is scheduled. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Lamar. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for lunch time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, and free play. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep policy posted however it was not customized. Ms. Lamar showed me the customized policy included in the parent handbook. She will post the one given to parent in all rooms serving infants. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets dated the week of February 9, 2026. A violation was cited. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored topical ointments today and found no violations. There are currently two (2) children enrolled requiring emergency medications. I monitored the medications. Violations were cited. I monitored each indoor and outdoor areas for safe environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. The outdoor area was clean, and equipment was found in good repair. The resilient surface was adequate.The facility has installed rubber mulch recently. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted January 15, 2026. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 15, 2025, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 20, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated March 10, 2025, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center does not provide transportation. Eleven (11) children’s files were selected, reviewed and violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Seven (7) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. ABCMS was monitored and found in compliance. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a summary of law on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. GS 110-102 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In Space 101, the safety outlet plate was not attached to the outlet next to the handwashing sink. On the preschool outdoor playground, the box containing phone wires was not covered accessible to children and exposed tree roots posed a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 117, hand cream stating keep out of reach or children, white out , a teacher's purse was accessible to children containing vitamins and a teacher's backpack was accessible to children containing hair product stating keep out of reach of children. .2820(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 101, a lollipop wrapped in plastic a a feather were in a child's backpack accessible to children. In Space 103, matchbox toy cars with small wheels and a baggie with gloves in a child's backpack were accessible to children. In Space 104 ,plastic wrapped diapers were accessible to children. In Space 105, plastic grocery bags, small snowflakes wrapped in plastic were accessible to children. In Space 115, tissue paper wrapped in plastic located in an unlocked cabinet was accessible to children. In Space 117, plastic grocery bags and bells in a baggie were in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children. .0604(q) 895 Infants under the age of 12 months were not placed on their backs for sleeping unless the center had obtained the appropriate written waiver. In Space 117, it was documented that on 2/12/2026 at 11:13 am a child was initially placed on side to sleep. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have a health assessment on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have immunization record on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. .1804(c) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025.One (1) child enrolled 4/24/2025 had a policy on file not dated. .0608(b) 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. One (1) employee hired 5/25/16 had a policy on file dated 4/6/2017. One (1) employee hired 9/23/2020 had a policy on file dated 9/28/2020. One (1) Employee hired 7/14/2025 did not have a signed and dated policy on file. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In Space 103, the permission to administer form for Benadryl was date 4/3/20205. In Space 115, a child requiring Cetirizine did not have the medication on site and the Auvi-Q did not have a permission to administer form on file. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Compliance Statement: 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 March 2, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Children’s Files Monitor all dates and signatures closely. You can use the Children’s Records sheet left today to better understand the requirements for children’s files. The checklist is a helpful tool as we discussed. You will need to make sure it is filled out in order for it to be useful. Staff Files I suggest you use the staff and training worksheets to better organize your staff files. You need to store any documents containing medical information in a separate file. The staff applications should be competed with all work experience and be signed and dated. We discussed filing all documents immediately upon receipt to keep you files in compliance at all times. Storage of Hazardous Materials, Small Parts and Plastic Please review your previous visit summaries. This is a repeat violation. I suggest you meet with your staff to review all of these items. I suggest that you remind your staff to lock up their purses before entering the classroom and to check all bags brought from home upon arrival. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. . 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/16/2026 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 2/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 24, 2025. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 86%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 13, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on February 16, 2026, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, assisted me with today’s visit. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, joined us and we met briefly to discuss the visit. Ms. Whitehead shared she is currently working a modified schedule due to medical reasons. Ms. Lamar assisted me with the visit today. I stated the reason for the visit. We reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and the technical assistance included in the comments section of the visit summary. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. The AA was posted as required on the program bulletin board at the entrance of the facility. I delivered the Written Warning to the facility on December 2, 2025. I conducted a phone review of the Written Warning (WW) with Ms. Whitehead Monday, December 10, 2025. The pastor of Grace Life emailed me December 18, 2025, to update me regarding Ms. Whitehead’s medical leave. Ms. Lamar shared she will be working a very limited schedule limited to administrative duties until further notice. The following stipulations and corrective action were reviewed: Stipulation 1 requires the child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements including, but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a) regarding staff/child ratios • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision The Annual Compliance Visit was conducted today and violations were citesd. This stipulation is not met. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: A+ Supervision within one (1) week of the WW received. Due to medical leave, Ms. Whitehead was not able to schedule the training within one 91) week. Ms. Lamar reached out to Jennifer Kappas, Tuesday, December 6, 2026. The training was scheduled for January 26, 2026 from 6 pm – 8 pm and rescheduled due to inclement weather. The new training is scheduled for February 26, 2026. This stipulation is met. Stipulation # 3 requires that within two (2) weeks after the required supervision training is completed, Ms. Whitehead shall review and revise the facility’s supervision policy and staffing pattern plan to incorporate strategies learned in the training. The policy, procedures, and plan should describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure children are adequately supervised and staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. This will be due to me on or before March 12, 2026. Stipulation # 4 requires that within one (1) week after notification from the Division that the stipulation has been met for the policy, procedures, and plan related to supervision and staffing, Ms. Whitehead shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the policy, procedures, and staffing plan. Ms. Whitehead or Ms. Lamar will email me the staff meeting date as soon as it is scheduled. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Lamar. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for lunch time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, and free play. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep policy posted however it was not customized. Ms. Lamar showed me the customized policy included in the parent handbook. She will post the one given to parent in all rooms serving infants. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets dated the week of February 9, 2026. A violation was cited. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored topical ointments today and found no violations. There are currently two (2) children enrolled requiring emergency medications. I monitored the medications. Violations were cited. I monitored each indoor and outdoor areas for safe environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. The outdoor area was clean, and equipment was found in good repair. The resilient surface was adequate.The facility has installed rubber mulch recently. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted January 15, 2026. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 15, 2025, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 20, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated March 10, 2025, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center does not provide transportation. Eleven (11) children’s files were selected, reviewed and violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Seven (7) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. ABCMS was monitored and found in compliance. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a summary of law on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. GS 110-102 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In Space 101, the safety outlet plate was not attached to the outlet next to the handwashing sink. On the preschool outdoor playground, the box containing phone wires was not covered accessible to children and exposed tree roots posed a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 117, hand cream stating keep out of reach or children, white out , a teacher's purse was accessible to children containing vitamins and a teacher's backpack was accessible to children containing hair product stating keep out of reach of children. .2820(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 101, a lollipop wrapped in plastic a a feather were in a child's backpack accessible to children. In Space 103, matchbox toy cars with small wheels and a baggie with gloves in a child's backpack were accessible to children. In Space 104 ,plastic wrapped diapers were accessible to children. In Space 105, plastic grocery bags, small snowflakes wrapped in plastic were accessible to children. In Space 115, tissue paper wrapped in plastic located in an unlocked cabinet was accessible to children. In Space 117, plastic grocery bags and bells in a baggie were in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children. .0604(q) 895 Infants under the age of 12 months were not placed on their backs for sleeping unless the center had obtained the appropriate written waiver. In Space 117, it was documented that on 2/12/2026 at 11:13 am a child was initially placed on side to sleep. .0606(a)(1)(A-B) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have a health assessment on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 1/5/2026 did not have immunization record on file. 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 (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025. .1804(c) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One (1) child enrolled 5/12/2025 had a policy on file signed and dated 5/13/2025.One (1) child enrolled 4/24/2025 had a policy on file not dated. .0608(b) 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. One (1) employee hired 5/25/16 had a policy on file dated 4/6/2017. One (1) employee hired 9/23/2020 had a policy on file dated 9/28/2020. One (1) Employee hired 7/14/2025 did not have a signed and dated policy on file. .0608(d)(1-4) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In Space 103, the permission to administer form for Benadryl was date 4/3/20205. In Space 115, a child requiring Cetirizine did not have the medication on site and the Auvi-Q did not have a permission to administer form on file. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Compliance Statement: 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 March 2, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Children’s Files Monitor all dates and signatures closely. You can use the Children’s Records sheet left today to better understand the requirements for children’s files. The checklist is a helpful tool as we discussed. You will need to make sure it is filled out in order for it to be useful. Staff Files I suggest you use the staff and training worksheets to better organize your staff files. You need to store any documents containing medical information in a separate file. The staff applications should be competed with all work experience and be signed and dated. We discussed filing all documents immediately upon receipt to keep you files in compliance at all times. Storage of Hazardous Materials, Small Parts and Plastic Please review your previous visit summaries. This is a repeat violation. I suggest you meet with your staff to review all of these items. I suggest that you remind your staff to lock up their purses before entering the classroom and to check all bags brought from home upon arrival. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. . 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 110-106 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1125-194L Visit Date: 12/2/2025 Number Present: 77 Completed Date: 12/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 83%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and met with Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar to discuss the allegations and items to be monitored. A reporter stated that on November 19, 2025, at approximately 10:20 am a child lay down on the floor and hit face on the floor, chipping a tooth. and bumped forehead on the floor in the hallway while walking with the class. A follow up report stated another tooth was fractured and broke off during the night while the child slept. The reporter is concerned about staffing shortage and first aid care administered. The allegations are as follows: Staff/Child ratio is not followed. Supervision is not in compliance following an incident resulting in injury. Incident report is not documented or reported correctly following an incident resulting in injury A child was not provided with appropriate First Aid after a fall resulting in an injury. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed one (1) administrator and two (2) teachers present the date and time of incident. I was provided with attendance sheets for the facility dated November 19, 2025. I reviewed CBC Qualifying Letters and First Aid/CPR certifications for three (3) staff members. Ms. Whitehead assisted me during a walkthrough of the facility, I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, music, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed is not confirmed. Based on attendance and name to face sheets dated November 19, 2025, the center was in ratio at all times. The reporter stated the staff member reported to the parent that there were not enough staff to apply tissues to the injured tooth. One administrator stated that the parent was told that if the bleeding continued during lunch, there would not be enough staff to continue to apply pressure due to limited staff available to complete lunch breaks. The administrator stated that she would need to give lunch breaks today due to staff shortage at the center. Supervision was not in compliance is not confirmed. Based on interviews, supervision was maintained at all times. The staff could see or hear children at all times. The staff could see and hear children while eating. Incident reports not documented or reported correctly is confirmed. The incident report dated November 19, 2025, marked medical care received as other but did not document the first aid given to the child. Per the reporter, medical support was received via a phone call to the pediatrician. The parent notified the center at 11:15 am by a Phone App that the pediatrician stated the child could nap for only two (2) hours as long as the child was not vomiting or disoriented. The incident report did not document the medical treatment advised by a pediatrician. The incident report was not timestamped. The incident report was not submitted to the division within seven (7) calendar days to the Division. A child was not provided with prescribed First Aid after a fall resulting in an injury is not confirmed. Per staff interviews, basic first aid was administered to a child, and the child was observed for over fifteen (15) minutes from approximately 10:35-10:50 am. One administrator stated that a phone call was placed to the parent at 10:38 am. The administrator stated that the parent was told the bleeding would not stop, the child was not talkative, and she was concerned that he would not eat. The parent stated she would see what she needed to do and let the center know. The administrator sent the parent a picture of the injured tooth at 10:58 am once the child was back in the classroom. One (1) staff member stated that the child seemed dazed and drowsy immediately following the incident but was more coherent before going down for nap. The parent notified the center at 11:15 am by a Phone App that the pediatrician stated the child could nap for only two (2) hours as long as the child was not vomiting or disoriented. It was noted initially on the Visit Summary that ‘based on center documentation the child slept from 12:12 pm – 2:15 pm. The staff did not follow the medical support provided by the pediatrician stating that the child could sleep for two hours. One (1) staff present during nap stated she did not try to wake the child or see if the child would respond during the nap.’ After further review of the incident and based on a statement during the interview with the Director that those times are generalized based on when the teacher can update the app it was determined that the center did follow the physician’s instruction. The nap time documented was within a few minutes of two hours and the director stated the teacher wakes the children, completes routines and then updates the app. After further review, it is determined that the staff followed the two hour nap time period per the parent communication regarding the physician’s instructions. See Technical Assistance for more information. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. An incident report dated November 19, 2025 did not include all of the first aid administered at the facility, the medical support consult provided by the pediatrician and did not have the time the parent was contacted. .0802 (e) Compliance Statement 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 16, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance We discussed that in the event of emergency and staff shortage that additional support for the staff be available. The director was on site in a meeting the day of the incident. I suggest that the regulations coordinator contact the Director immediately for additional help in the future for staffing and incidents. Incident Reports Incident reports requiring medical treatment should be sent to me within seven (7) calendar days of the incident. If a follow-up appointment including a dentist is required, update the original incident report with an addendum and send the updated information to me within seven (7) calendar days. I suggest reaching out to me for technical assistance following incidents resulting in a call to a physician and/or medical treatment off site for technical assistance specific to an incident. Per our discussion today, incident reports must be documented completely and timestamped. If you receive additional information following an incident, document it and initial and date on the report. Please complete the report with all details prior to submitting including medical care, medical support and any follow-up. Please include the full name of the witnesses to the incident. If a medical professional sends care instructions to a parent, follow the prescribed plan form the health care provider and include that information on the incident report. We discussed a technical assistance visit or TEAMS Meeting with you and your staff to assist you with training pertaining to completing and reporting incidents. General Safety I suggest that any time a child has an injury resulting in possible head injury and/or has significant bleeding you require the parent to pick up the child for evaluation. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1125-194L Visit Date: 12/2/2025 Number Present: 77 Completed Date: 12/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 83%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and met with Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar to discuss the allegations and items to be monitored. A reporter stated that on November 19, 2025, at approximately 10:20 am a child lay down on the floor and hit face on the floor, chipping a tooth. and bumped forehead on the floor in the hallway while walking with the class. A follow up report stated another tooth was fractured and broke off during the night while the child slept. The reporter is concerned about staffing shortage and first aid care administered. The allegations are as follows: Staff/Child ratio is not followed. Supervision is not in compliance following an incident resulting in injury. Incident report is not documented or reported correctly following an incident resulting in injury A child was not provided with appropriate First Aid after a fall resulting in an injury. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed one (1) administrator and two (2) teachers present the date and time of incident. I was provided with attendance sheets for the facility dated November 19, 2025. I reviewed CBC Qualifying Letters and First Aid/CPR certifications for three (3) staff members. Ms. Whitehead assisted me during a walkthrough of the facility, I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, music, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed is not confirmed. Based on attendance and name to face sheets dated November 19, 2025, the center was in ratio at all times. The reporter stated the staff member reported to the parent that there were not enough staff to apply tissues to the injured tooth. One administrator stated that the parent was told that if the bleeding continued during lunch, there would not be enough staff to continue to apply pressure due to limited staff available to complete lunch breaks. The administrator stated that she would need to give lunch breaks today due to staff shortage at the center. Supervision was not in compliance is not confirmed. Based on interviews, supervision was maintained at all times. The staff could see or hear children at all times. The staff could see and hear children while eating. Incident reports not documented or reported correctly is confirmed. The incident report dated November 19, 2025, marked medical care received as other but did not document the first aid given to the child. Per the reporter, medical support was received via a phone call to the pediatrician. The parent notified the center at 11:15 am by a Phone App that the pediatrician stated the child could nap for only two (2) hours as long as the child was not vomiting or disoriented. The incident report did not document the medical treatment advised by a pediatrician. The incident report was not timestamped. The incident report was not submitted to the division within seven (7) calendar days to the Division. A child was not provided with prescribed First Aid after a fall resulting in an injury is not confirmed. Per staff interviews, basic first aid was administered to a child, and the child was observed for over fifteen (15) minutes from approximately 10:35-10:50 am. One administrator stated that a phone call was placed to the parent at 10:38 am. The administrator stated that the parent was told the bleeding would not stop, the child was not talkative, and she was concerned that he would not eat. The parent stated she would see what she needed to do and let the center know. The administrator sent the parent a picture of the injured tooth at 10:58 am once the child was back in the classroom. One (1) staff member stated that the child seemed dazed and drowsy immediately following the incident but was more coherent before going down for nap. The parent notified the center at 11:15 am by a Phone App that the pediatrician stated the child could nap for only two (2) hours as long as the child was not vomiting or disoriented. It was noted initially on the Visit Summary that ‘based on center documentation the child slept from 12:12 pm – 2:15 pm. The staff did not follow the medical support provided by the pediatrician stating that the child could sleep for two hours. One (1) staff present during nap stated she did not try to wake the child or see if the child would respond during the nap.’ After further review of the incident and based on a statement during the interview with the Director that those times are generalized based on when the teacher can update the app it was determined that the center did follow the physician’s instruction. The nap time documented was within a few minutes of two hours and the director stated the teacher wakes the children, completes routines and then updates the app. After further review, it is determined that the staff followed the two hour nap time period per the parent communication regarding the physician’s instructions. See Technical Assistance for more information. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. An incident report dated November 19, 2025 did not include all of the first aid administered at the facility, the medical support consult provided by the pediatrician and did not have the time the parent was contacted. .0802 (e) Compliance Statement 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 16, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance We discussed that in the event of emergency and staff shortage that additional support for the staff be available. The director was on site in a meeting the day of the incident. I suggest that the regulations coordinator contact the Director immediately for additional help in the future for staffing and incidents. Incident Reports Incident reports requiring medical treatment should be sent to me within seven (7) calendar days of the incident. If a follow-up appointment including a dentist is required, update the original incident report with an addendum and send the updated information to me within seven (7) calendar days. I suggest reaching out to me for technical assistance following incidents resulting in a call to a physician and/or medical treatment off site for technical assistance specific to an incident. Per our discussion today, incident reports must be documented completely and timestamped. If you receive additional information following an incident, document it and initial and date on the report. Please complete the report with all details prior to submitting including medical care, medical support and any follow-up. Please include the full name of the witnesses to the incident. If a medical professional sends care instructions to a parent, follow the prescribed plan form the health care provider and include that information on the incident report. We discussed a technical assistance visit or TEAMS Meeting with you and your staff to assist you with training pertaining to completing and reporting incidents. General Safety I suggest that any time a child has an injury resulting in possible head injury and/or has significant bleeding you require the parent to pick up the child for evaluation. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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 .2201 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-104L Visit Date: 10/27/2025 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 10/27/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 85 Time In: 12:05 PM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s follow-up complaint visit is to verify correction of violations documented during the self-report visit dated October 13, 2025. The compliance history was 84 % prior to today’s visit. Supervision, capacity, adequate/approved space and general license requirements were monitored during today’s visit. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director. We met to discuss the corrective action in place for the violation cited October 13, 2025. We discussed the violations and the corrective action. Ms. Whitehead shared with me that all staff had been informed of the allegation stated in the complaint and the violation cited during the October 13, 2025 self-report visit. She shared that she has spoken with all staff regarding supervision expectations and procedures to follow daily. A checklist and administrative walk throughs have been implemented to monitor and ensure continuous compliance. Ms. Whitehead provided a written compliance letter during the visit. Ms. Whitehead and I walked through the facility together. I observed personal care routines and teacher directed activities. Caregivers throughout the center were attending to the needs of the children. I observed caring and nurturing interactions throughout the center. Due to inclement weather, I did not observe the outdoor play area. Supervision and staff child ratios were maintained during today’s visit. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I monitored each room for storage of hazardous materials and a repeat violation was cited. Please see the violations section for details. The following violations cited October 13, 2025, were monitored: Item # 303 .1801(a)(1-5) Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On October 2, 2025, in Space 120 , a child was left unsupervised while the class transitioned to lunch. This violation is considered corrected. Item # 840 .2820(b) All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 3, an Auvi-Q was stored in a bag accessible to children five (5) feet or lower. This violation is considered corrected. A repeat violation was cited today. The following violation was cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 104, Aquaphor Diaper Cream was in a child's backpack accessible to children. In Spaces 118, 114 and 120, alcohol wipes were accessible to children in a first aid kit stored lower than five (5) feet accessible to children. .2820(b) Compliance Statement 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 November 10, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as monitoring for on-going compliance. 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. Email the information to: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Storage of Hazardous Materials I reviewed the requirement for storage of hazardous materials and storage of emergency medications with you and your staff members. I suggest printing resources for both found on the environmental health website and reviewing it with your staff. You can find the resources here: https://mecknc.widen.net/s/lsm7gbffmb/emergency-medication-storage and https://mecknc.widen.net/s/xvkq2pmkdb/hazardous-item-storage-guide . We discussed implementing a Monday administrator walkthrough and continued training for staff. I suggest you schedule rules review training for you staff. I will be available to assist you with this training. The Division may consider administrative action. We discussed the following regarding administrative actions: 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS GENERAL PROVISIONS (b) The Division shall consider the following factors when determining whether to issue an administrative action or what type of administrative action to be issued, including: (1) the severity of the violation or incident; (2) the probability of recurrence of the violation or incident; (3) all prior administrative actions issued to the facility; (4) all prior incidents where the Division has determined that abuse, neglect, or child maltreatment occurred at the facility; (5) the operator's response to the violation or incident, including actions taken to prevent recurrence, such as revision to facility policies and procedures or additional staff training; (6) a self- report of the violation or incident was submitted to the Division by the operator; and (7) information or records received from local, State, or federal agencies relevant to the violation or incident. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-104L Visit Date: 10/27/2025 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 10/27/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 85 Time In: 12:05 PM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s follow-up complaint visit is to verify correction of violations documented during the self-report visit dated October 13, 2025. The compliance history was 84 % prior to today’s visit. Supervision, capacity, adequate/approved space and general license requirements were monitored during today’s visit. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director. We met to discuss the corrective action in place for the violation cited October 13, 2025. We discussed the violations and the corrective action. Ms. Whitehead shared with me that all staff had been informed of the allegation stated in the complaint and the violation cited during the October 13, 2025 self-report visit. She shared that she has spoken with all staff regarding supervision expectations and procedures to follow daily. A checklist and administrative walk throughs have been implemented to monitor and ensure continuous compliance. Ms. Whitehead provided a written compliance letter during the visit. Ms. Whitehead and I walked through the facility together. I observed personal care routines and teacher directed activities. Caregivers throughout the center were attending to the needs of the children. I observed caring and nurturing interactions throughout the center. Due to inclement weather, I did not observe the outdoor play area. Supervision and staff child ratios were maintained during today’s visit. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I monitored each room for storage of hazardous materials and a repeat violation was cited. Please see the violations section for details. The following violations cited October 13, 2025, were monitored: Item # 303 .1801(a)(1-5) Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On October 2, 2025, in Space 120 , a child was left unsupervised while the class transitioned to lunch. This violation is considered corrected. Item # 840 .2820(b) All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 3, an Auvi-Q was stored in a bag accessible to children five (5) feet or lower. This violation is considered corrected. A repeat violation was cited today. The following violation was cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 104, Aquaphor Diaper Cream was in a child's backpack accessible to children. In Spaces 118, 114 and 120, alcohol wipes were accessible to children in a first aid kit stored lower than five (5) feet accessible to children. .2820(b) Compliance Statement 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 November 10, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as monitoring for on-going compliance. 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. Email the information to: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Storage of Hazardous Materials I reviewed the requirement for storage of hazardous materials and storage of emergency medications with you and your staff members. I suggest printing resources for both found on the environmental health website and reviewing it with your staff. You can find the resources here: https://mecknc.widen.net/s/lsm7gbffmb/emergency-medication-storage and https://mecknc.widen.net/s/xvkq2pmkdb/hazardous-item-storage-guide . We discussed implementing a Monday administrator walkthrough and continued training for staff. I suggest you schedule rules review training for you staff. I will be available to assist you with this training. The Division may consider administrative action. We discussed the following regarding administrative actions: 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS GENERAL PROVISIONS (b) The Division shall consider the following factors when determining whether to issue an administrative action or what type of administrative action to be issued, including: (1) the severity of the violation or incident; (2) the probability of recurrence of the violation or incident; (3) all prior administrative actions issued to the facility; (4) all prior incidents where the Division has determined that abuse, neglect, or child maltreatment occurred at the facility; (5) the operator's response to the violation or incident, including actions taken to prevent recurrence, such as revision to facility policies and procedures or additional staff training; (6) a self- report of the violation or incident was submitted to the Division by the operator; and (7) information or records received from local, State, or federal agencies relevant to the violation or incident. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-104L Visit Date: 10/13/2025 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 10/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 11:20 AM Time Out: 01:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. A self-report was received by the Division on October 8, 2025. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 85%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Compliance and Admissions Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, is on vacation and was not present today. The allegation is a child was left in a room unsupervised during a transition to lunch. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms. I observed children engaged in lunch, transitioning to rest and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. I observed for storage of hazardous materials and general safety. I cited one violation. Based on the self-report and administrator interview the allegation that a child was left in a room unsupervised during a transition to lunch is confirmed. The following violations were cited: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On October 2, 2025, in Space 120 , a child was left unsupervised while the class transitioned to lunch. .1801(a)(1-5) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 3, an Auvi-Q was stored in a bag accessible to children five (5) feet or lower. .2820(b) Compliance Statement 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 27, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as monitoring for on-going compliance. I will make a return unannounced visit within two (2) weeks. 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. Email the information to: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Supervision We discussed your procedures regarding name to face requirements prior to leaving a classroom. We discussed reviewing supervision rule and reviewing your procedures as it relates to10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS during your scheduled staff meeting tonight. I suggest having each staff member in attendance sign the roster for you to keep on file as documentation that the staff was reminded of your name to face procedures and adequate supervision requirements are followed. (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. All of the conditions in this Paragraph shall apply except when emergencies necessitate that adequate supervision is impossible. Documentation of emergencies shall be maintained and available for review by Division representatives upon request. We discussed that you spoke with the staff member and reviewed your procedures for name-to-face. You discussed checking the bathroom prior to leaving the room. The parents were notified of the incident. You stated that the employee will receive a written corrective action once the director returns. I suggest supervision be reviewed with each staff member requiring a staff acknowledgement and statement of understanding to be kept in each staff member’s file. Storage of Hazardous Materials I reviewed the requirement for storage of hazardous materials and storage of emergency medications with you and your staff members. I suggest printing resources for both found on the environmental health website and reviewing it with your staff. You can find the resources here: https://mecknc.widen.net/s/lsm7gbffmb/emergency-medication-storage and https://mecknc.widen.net/s/xvkq2pmkdb/hazardous-item-storage-guide The Division may consider administrative action. We discussed the following regarding administrative actions: 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS GENERAL PROVISIONS (b) The Division shall consider the following factors when determining whether to issue an administrative action or what type of administrative action to be issued, including: (1) the severity of the violation or incident; (2) the probability of recurrence of the violation or incident; (3) all prior administrative actions issued to the facility; (4) all prior incidents where the Division has determined that abuse, neglect, or child maltreatment occurred at the facility; (5) the operator's response to the violation or incident, including actions taken to prevent recurrence, such as revision to facility policies and procedures or additional staff training; (6) a self- report of the violation or incident was submitted to the Division by the operator; and (7) information or records received from local, State, or federal agencies relevant to the violation or incident. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .2201 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-104L Visit Date: 10/13/2025 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 10/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 11:20 AM Time Out: 01:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. A self-report was received by the Division on October 8, 2025. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 85%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Compliance and Admissions Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, is on vacation and was not present today. The allegation is a child was left in a room unsupervised during a transition to lunch. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms. I observed children engaged in lunch, transitioning to rest and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. I observed for storage of hazardous materials and general safety. I cited one violation. Based on the self-report and administrator interview the allegation that a child was left in a room unsupervised during a transition to lunch is confirmed. The following violations were cited: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On October 2, 2025, in Space 120 , a child was left unsupervised while the class transitioned to lunch. .1801(a)(1-5) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 3, an Auvi-Q was stored in a bag accessible to children five (5) feet or lower. .2820(b) Compliance Statement 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 27, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as monitoring for on-going compliance. I will make a return unannounced visit within two (2) weeks. 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. Email the information to: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Supervision We discussed your procedures regarding name to face requirements prior to leaving a classroom. We discussed reviewing supervision rule and reviewing your procedures as it relates to10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS during your scheduled staff meeting tonight. I suggest having each staff member in attendance sign the roster for you to keep on file as documentation that the staff was reminded of your name to face procedures and adequate supervision requirements are followed. (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. All of the conditions in this Paragraph shall apply except when emergencies necessitate that adequate supervision is impossible. Documentation of emergencies shall be maintained and available for review by Division representatives upon request. We discussed that you spoke with the staff member and reviewed your procedures for name-to-face. You discussed checking the bathroom prior to leaving the room. The parents were notified of the incident. You stated that the employee will receive a written corrective action once the director returns. I suggest supervision be reviewed with each staff member requiring a staff acknowledgement and statement of understanding to be kept in each staff member’s file. Storage of Hazardous Materials I reviewed the requirement for storage of hazardous materials and storage of emergency medications with you and your staff members. I suggest printing resources for both found on the environmental health website and reviewing it with your staff. You can find the resources here: https://mecknc.widen.net/s/lsm7gbffmb/emergency-medication-storage and https://mecknc.widen.net/s/xvkq2pmkdb/hazardous-item-storage-guide The Division may consider administrative action. We discussed the following regarding administrative actions: 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS GENERAL PROVISIONS (b) The Division shall consider the following factors when determining whether to issue an administrative action or what type of administrative action to be issued, including: (1) the severity of the violation or incident; (2) the probability of recurrence of the violation or incident; (3) all prior administrative actions issued to the facility; (4) all prior incidents where the Division has determined that abuse, neglect, or child maltreatment occurred at the facility; (5) the operator's response to the violation or incident, including actions taken to prevent recurrence, such as revision to facility policies and procedures or additional staff training; (6) a self- report of the violation or incident was submitted to the Division by the operator; and (7) information or records received from local, State, or federal agencies relevant to the violation or incident. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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 110-106 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-104L Visit Date: 10/13/2025 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 10/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 11:20 AM Time Out: 01:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. A self-report was received by the Division on October 8, 2025. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 85%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Compliance and Admissions Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, is on vacation and was not present today. The allegation is a child was left in a room unsupervised during a transition to lunch. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms. I observed children engaged in lunch, transitioning to rest and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. I observed for storage of hazardous materials and general safety. I cited one violation. Based on the self-report and administrator interview the allegation that a child was left in a room unsupervised during a transition to lunch is confirmed. The following violations were cited: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On October 2, 2025, in Space 120 , a child was left unsupervised while the class transitioned to lunch. .1801(a)(1-5) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 3, an Auvi-Q was stored in a bag accessible to children five (5) feet or lower. .2820(b) Compliance Statement 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 27, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as monitoring for on-going compliance. I will make a return unannounced visit within two (2) weeks. 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. Email the information to: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Supervision We discussed your procedures regarding name to face requirements prior to leaving a classroom. We discussed reviewing supervision rule and reviewing your procedures as it relates to10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS during your scheduled staff meeting tonight. I suggest having each staff member in attendance sign the roster for you to keep on file as documentation that the staff was reminded of your name to face procedures and adequate supervision requirements are followed. (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. All of the conditions in this Paragraph shall apply except when emergencies necessitate that adequate supervision is impossible. Documentation of emergencies shall be maintained and available for review by Division representatives upon request. We discussed that you spoke with the staff member and reviewed your procedures for name-to-face. You discussed checking the bathroom prior to leaving the room. The parents were notified of the incident. You stated that the employee will receive a written corrective action once the director returns. I suggest supervision be reviewed with each staff member requiring a staff acknowledgement and statement of understanding to be kept in each staff member’s file. Storage of Hazardous Materials I reviewed the requirement for storage of hazardous materials and storage of emergency medications with you and your staff members. I suggest printing resources for both found on the environmental health website and reviewing it with your staff. You can find the resources here: https://mecknc.widen.net/s/lsm7gbffmb/emergency-medication-storage and https://mecknc.widen.net/s/xvkq2pmkdb/hazardous-item-storage-guide The Division may consider administrative action. We discussed the following regarding administrative actions: 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS GENERAL PROVISIONS (b) The Division shall consider the following factors when determining whether to issue an administrative action or what type of administrative action to be issued, including: (1) the severity of the violation or incident; (2) the probability of recurrence of the violation or incident; (3) all prior administrative actions issued to the facility; (4) all prior incidents where the Division has determined that abuse, neglect, or child maltreatment occurred at the facility; (5) the operator's response to the violation or incident, including actions taken to prevent recurrence, such as revision to facility policies and procedures or additional staff training; (6) a self- report of the violation or incident was submitted to the Division by the operator; and (7) information or records received from local, State, or federal agencies relevant to the violation or incident. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-104L Visit Date: 10/13/2025 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 10/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 11:20 AM Time Out: 01:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. A self-report was received by the Division on October 8, 2025. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 85%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Compliance and Admissions Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, is on vacation and was not present today. The allegation is a child was left in a room unsupervised during a transition to lunch. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms. I observed children engaged in lunch, transitioning to rest and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. I observed for storage of hazardous materials and general safety. I cited one violation. Based on the self-report and administrator interview the allegation that a child was left in a room unsupervised during a transition to lunch is confirmed. The following violations were cited: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On October 2, 2025, in Space 120 , a child was left unsupervised while the class transitioned to lunch. .1801(a)(1-5) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 3, an Auvi-Q was stored in a bag accessible to children five (5) feet or lower. .2820(b) Compliance Statement 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 27, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as monitoring for on-going compliance. I will make a return unannounced visit within two (2) weeks. 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. Email the information to: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Supervision We discussed your procedures regarding name to face requirements prior to leaving a classroom. We discussed reviewing supervision rule and reviewing your procedures as it relates to10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS during your scheduled staff meeting tonight. I suggest having each staff member in attendance sign the roster for you to keep on file as documentation that the staff was reminded of your name to face procedures and adequate supervision requirements are followed. (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. All of the conditions in this Paragraph shall apply except when emergencies necessitate that adequate supervision is impossible. Documentation of emergencies shall be maintained and available for review by Division representatives upon request. We discussed that you spoke with the staff member and reviewed your procedures for name-to-face. You discussed checking the bathroom prior to leaving the room. The parents were notified of the incident. You stated that the employee will receive a written corrective action once the director returns. I suggest supervision be reviewed with each staff member requiring a staff acknowledgement and statement of understanding to be kept in each staff member’s file. Storage of Hazardous Materials I reviewed the requirement for storage of hazardous materials and storage of emergency medications with you and your staff members. I suggest printing resources for both found on the environmental health website and reviewing it with your staff. You can find the resources here: https://mecknc.widen.net/s/lsm7gbffmb/emergency-medication-storage and https://mecknc.widen.net/s/xvkq2pmkdb/hazardous-item-storage-guide The Division may consider administrative action. We discussed the following regarding administrative actions: 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS GENERAL PROVISIONS (b) The Division shall consider the following factors when determining whether to issue an administrative action or what type of administrative action to be issued, including: (1) the severity of the violation or incident; (2) the probability of recurrence of the violation or incident; (3) all prior administrative actions issued to the facility; (4) all prior incidents where the Division has determined that abuse, neglect, or child maltreatment occurred at the facility; (5) the operator's response to the violation or incident, including actions taken to prevent recurrence, such as revision to facility policies and procedures or additional staff training; (6) a self- report of the violation or incident was submitted to the Division by the operator; and (7) information or records received from local, State, or federal agencies relevant to the violation or incident. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0825-352L Visit Date: 9/2/2025 Number Present: 76 Completed Date: 9/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner. Transportation requirements are not followed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed two (2) administrators and five (5) teachers. I observed early morning video dated August 5, 2025, in a room serving toddlers to observe staff/child ratio. I was provided with name to face sheets for August 5, 2025; however, the times were not posted consistently and I was unable to verify non-compliance using the sheet. The center does not provide transportation. The church does provide afterschool from 3 pm – 6 pm and weekly summer camps. Th programs will use the church vans however the program is not licensed. I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, outdoor play, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. After the walk through with Ms. Lamar, Bobbi Whitehead joined us in the office to discuss the allegations and to complete an interview. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed is confirmed. Based on video review dated August 5, 2025, the room serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am. At 7:42 am the ratio was seven (7) children to one (1) staff member. I observed that the teacher did not call the front desk for additional support. At approximately 7:46 am the ratio was eight (8) toddlers to one (1) staff member and at approximately 7:48 am there were nine (9) toddlers with one (1) teacher. Another teacher came into the classroom at 7:51 am. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner is not confirmed. All staff interviewed stated that at no time are children yelled at or made to stand in a corner facing a wall. Staff shared that children are given short periods of time-out or redirected. If a behavior problem persists, additional support for children is provided. Based on interviews with the administrators, there is a child who will turn around to face the wall if placed in time out. The child is currently receiving additional support including play therapy for behavior and the teachers redirect him as needed. Transportation requirements are not followed and is not confirmed. The center does not provide transportation. The following violations cited 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. Based on video review, Space 3 serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am on August 25, 2025. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) Compliance Statement 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 September 16, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Staff/Child Ratio We discussed that staff child ratio must be met at all times. There is not an emergency lapse or grace period for ratio. I suggest monitoring arrival times and staffing patterns to schedule enough staff to cover your classrooms. If you have staffing issues due to sickness or late arrivals your teachers will need to not take children into the classroom until proper staffing can be accomplished and notify administration immediately. We discussed that in the event of an emergency such as a teacher seeking first aid or additional help for an emergency situation, you would need to document the incident and self-report the details to your child care consultant immediately. However, the staff/child ratio must be maintained at all times. The rule is found here 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS and the following must be met at all times: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; (3) a child two years of age and older may be placed with children under one year of age when a physician certifies that the developmental age of the child makes this placement appropriate; (4) when determined to be developmentally appropriate by the operator and parent, a child age two or older may be placed one age level above his or her chronological age without affecting the staff/child ratio for that group. This provision shall be limited to one child per group; (5) except as provided in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over; (6) except as provided in Subparagraph (2) of this Paragraph, children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age; (7) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio and no children under two years of age are in care, that caregiver may concurrently perform food preparation or other duties such as cleaning, activity planning and set up, or communication with families, that are not direct child care responsibilities as long as supervision of the children as specified in 10A NCAC 09 .1801 is maintained; (8) except as provided in Subparagraph (7) of this Paragraph, staff members and child care administrators who are counted in meeting the staff/child ratios as stated in this Rule shall not concurrently perform food preparation or other duties that are not direct child care responsibilities; (9) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; and (10) the staff/child ratio applicable to a classroom as described in this Paragraph shall be posted in that classroom in an area that parents are able to view at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .2203 WRITTEN WARNINGS A written warning, which shall include a corrective action plan, may be issued to an operator in regard to any violation including, but not limited to, these situations: (1) a substantiation of one or more violations as a result of a complaint that do not meet the criteria for a maltreatment finding in accordance with G.S. 110-105.3(b)(3) but for which corrective action is needed; (2) citation of 16 or more violations of separate rules in a single visit where the operator does not meet the criteria of other administrative actions set forth in this Section; or (3) citation of one of the following violations on two consecutive visits: (a) supervision of children; (b) discipline, nurture, or care of children; (c) staff/child ratio; (d) group size; (e) licensed capacity; (f) permit restriction; (g) CPR training; (h) First Aid training; (i) ITS-SIDS training; and (j) criminal record check requirements regarding pre-service and three-year reassessments in accordance with G.S. 110-90.2(b). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .1801 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0825-352L Visit Date: 9/2/2025 Number Present: 76 Completed Date: 9/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner. Transportation requirements are not followed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed two (2) administrators and five (5) teachers. I observed early morning video dated August 5, 2025, in a room serving toddlers to observe staff/child ratio. I was provided with name to face sheets for August 5, 2025; however, the times were not posted consistently and I was unable to verify non-compliance using the sheet. The center does not provide transportation. The church does provide afterschool from 3 pm – 6 pm and weekly summer camps. Th programs will use the church vans however the program is not licensed. I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, outdoor play, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. After the walk through with Ms. Lamar, Bobbi Whitehead joined us in the office to discuss the allegations and to complete an interview. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed is confirmed. Based on video review dated August 5, 2025, the room serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am. At 7:42 am the ratio was seven (7) children to one (1) staff member. I observed that the teacher did not call the front desk for additional support. At approximately 7:46 am the ratio was eight (8) toddlers to one (1) staff member and at approximately 7:48 am there were nine (9) toddlers with one (1) teacher. Another teacher came into the classroom at 7:51 am. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner is not confirmed. All staff interviewed stated that at no time are children yelled at or made to stand in a corner facing a wall. Staff shared that children are given short periods of time-out or redirected. If a behavior problem persists, additional support for children is provided. Based on interviews with the administrators, there is a child who will turn around to face the wall if placed in time out. The child is currently receiving additional support including play therapy for behavior and the teachers redirect him as needed. Transportation requirements are not followed and is not confirmed. The center does not provide transportation. The following violations cited 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. Based on video review, Space 3 serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am on August 25, 2025. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) Compliance Statement 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 September 16, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Staff/Child Ratio We discussed that staff child ratio must be met at all times. There is not an emergency lapse or grace period for ratio. I suggest monitoring arrival times and staffing patterns to schedule enough staff to cover your classrooms. If you have staffing issues due to sickness or late arrivals your teachers will need to not take children into the classroom until proper staffing can be accomplished and notify administration immediately. We discussed that in the event of an emergency such as a teacher seeking first aid or additional help for an emergency situation, you would need to document the incident and self-report the details to your child care consultant immediately. However, the staff/child ratio must be maintained at all times. The rule is found here 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS and the following must be met at all times: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; (3) a child two years of age and older may be placed with children under one year of age when a physician certifies that the developmental age of the child makes this placement appropriate; (4) when determined to be developmentally appropriate by the operator and parent, a child age two or older may be placed one age level above his or her chronological age without affecting the staff/child ratio for that group. This provision shall be limited to one child per group; (5) except as provided in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over; (6) except as provided in Subparagraph (2) of this Paragraph, children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age; (7) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio and no children under two years of age are in care, that caregiver may concurrently perform food preparation or other duties such as cleaning, activity planning and set up, or communication with families, that are not direct child care responsibilities as long as supervision of the children as specified in 10A NCAC 09 .1801 is maintained; (8) except as provided in Subparagraph (7) of this Paragraph, staff members and child care administrators who are counted in meeting the staff/child ratios as stated in this Rule shall not concurrently perform food preparation or other duties that are not direct child care responsibilities; (9) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; and (10) the staff/child ratio applicable to a classroom as described in this Paragraph shall be posted in that classroom in an area that parents are able to view at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .2203 WRITTEN WARNINGS A written warning, which shall include a corrective action plan, may be issued to an operator in regard to any violation including, but not limited to, these situations: (1) a substantiation of one or more violations as a result of a complaint that do not meet the criteria for a maltreatment finding in accordance with G.S. 110-105.3(b)(3) but for which corrective action is needed; (2) citation of 16 or more violations of separate rules in a single visit where the operator does not meet the criteria of other administrative actions set forth in this Section; or (3) citation of one of the following violations on two consecutive visits: (a) supervision of children; (b) discipline, nurture, or care of children; (c) staff/child ratio; (d) group size; (e) licensed capacity; (f) permit restriction; (g) CPR training; (h) First Aid training; (i) ITS-SIDS training; and (j) criminal record check requirements regarding pre-service and three-year reassessments in accordance with G.S. 110-90.2(b). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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 .2203 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0825-352L Visit Date: 9/2/2025 Number Present: 76 Completed Date: 9/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner. Transportation requirements are not followed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed two (2) administrators and five (5) teachers. I observed early morning video dated August 5, 2025, in a room serving toddlers to observe staff/child ratio. I was provided with name to face sheets for August 5, 2025; however, the times were not posted consistently and I was unable to verify non-compliance using the sheet. The center does not provide transportation. The church does provide afterschool from 3 pm – 6 pm and weekly summer camps. Th programs will use the church vans however the program is not licensed. I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, outdoor play, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. After the walk through with Ms. Lamar, Bobbi Whitehead joined us in the office to discuss the allegations and to complete an interview. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed is confirmed. Based on video review dated August 5, 2025, the room serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am. At 7:42 am the ratio was seven (7) children to one (1) staff member. I observed that the teacher did not call the front desk for additional support. At approximately 7:46 am the ratio was eight (8) toddlers to one (1) staff member and at approximately 7:48 am there were nine (9) toddlers with one (1) teacher. Another teacher came into the classroom at 7:51 am. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner is not confirmed. All staff interviewed stated that at no time are children yelled at or made to stand in a corner facing a wall. Staff shared that children are given short periods of time-out or redirected. If a behavior problem persists, additional support for children is provided. Based on interviews with the administrators, there is a child who will turn around to face the wall if placed in time out. The child is currently receiving additional support including play therapy for behavior and the teachers redirect him as needed. Transportation requirements are not followed and is not confirmed. The center does not provide transportation. The following violations cited 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. Based on video review, Space 3 serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am on August 25, 2025. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) Compliance Statement 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 September 16, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Staff/Child Ratio We discussed that staff child ratio must be met at all times. There is not an emergency lapse or grace period for ratio. I suggest monitoring arrival times and staffing patterns to schedule enough staff to cover your classrooms. If you have staffing issues due to sickness or late arrivals your teachers will need to not take children into the classroom until proper staffing can be accomplished and notify administration immediately. We discussed that in the event of an emergency such as a teacher seeking first aid or additional help for an emergency situation, you would need to document the incident and self-report the details to your child care consultant immediately. However, the staff/child ratio must be maintained at all times. The rule is found here 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS and the following must be met at all times: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; (3) a child two years of age and older may be placed with children under one year of age when a physician certifies that the developmental age of the child makes this placement appropriate; (4) when determined to be developmentally appropriate by the operator and parent, a child age two or older may be placed one age level above his or her chronological age without affecting the staff/child ratio for that group. This provision shall be limited to one child per group; (5) except as provided in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over; (6) except as provided in Subparagraph (2) of this Paragraph, children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age; (7) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio and no children under two years of age are in care, that caregiver may concurrently perform food preparation or other duties such as cleaning, activity planning and set up, or communication with families, that are not direct child care responsibilities as long as supervision of the children as specified in 10A NCAC 09 .1801 is maintained; (8) except as provided in Subparagraph (7) of this Paragraph, staff members and child care administrators who are counted in meeting the staff/child ratios as stated in this Rule shall not concurrently perform food preparation or other duties that are not direct child care responsibilities; (9) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; and (10) the staff/child ratio applicable to a classroom as described in this Paragraph shall be posted in that classroom in an area that parents are able to view at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .2203 WRITTEN WARNINGS A written warning, which shall include a corrective action plan, may be issued to an operator in regard to any violation including, but not limited to, these situations: (1) a substantiation of one or more violations as a result of a complaint that do not meet the criteria for a maltreatment finding in accordance with G.S. 110-105.3(b)(3) but for which corrective action is needed; (2) citation of 16 or more violations of separate rules in a single visit where the operator does not meet the criteria of other administrative actions set forth in this Section; or (3) citation of one of the following violations on two consecutive visits: (a) supervision of children; (b) discipline, nurture, or care of children; (c) staff/child ratio; (d) group size; (e) licensed capacity; (f) permit restriction; (g) CPR training; (h) First Aid training; (i) ITS-SIDS training; and (j) criminal record check requirements regarding pre-service and three-year reassessments in accordance with G.S. 110-90.2(b). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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. 110-105 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0825-352L Visit Date: 9/2/2025 Number Present: 76 Completed Date: 9/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner. Transportation requirements are not followed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed two (2) administrators and five (5) teachers. I observed early morning video dated August 5, 2025, in a room serving toddlers to observe staff/child ratio. I was provided with name to face sheets for August 5, 2025; however, the times were not posted consistently and I was unable to verify non-compliance using the sheet. The center does not provide transportation. The church does provide afterschool from 3 pm – 6 pm and weekly summer camps. Th programs will use the church vans however the program is not licensed. I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, outdoor play, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. After the walk through with Ms. Lamar, Bobbi Whitehead joined us in the office to discuss the allegations and to complete an interview. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed is confirmed. Based on video review dated August 5, 2025, the room serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am. At 7:42 am the ratio was seven (7) children to one (1) staff member. I observed that the teacher did not call the front desk for additional support. At approximately 7:46 am the ratio was eight (8) toddlers to one (1) staff member and at approximately 7:48 am there were nine (9) toddlers with one (1) teacher. Another teacher came into the classroom at 7:51 am. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner is not confirmed. All staff interviewed stated that at no time are children yelled at or made to stand in a corner facing a wall. Staff shared that children are given short periods of time-out or redirected. If a behavior problem persists, additional support for children is provided. Based on interviews with the administrators, there is a child who will turn around to face the wall if placed in time out. The child is currently receiving additional support including play therapy for behavior and the teachers redirect him as needed. Transportation requirements are not followed and is not confirmed. The center does not provide transportation. The following violations cited 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. Based on video review, Space 3 serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am on August 25, 2025. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) Compliance Statement 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 September 16, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Staff/Child Ratio We discussed that staff child ratio must be met at all times. There is not an emergency lapse or grace period for ratio. I suggest monitoring arrival times and staffing patterns to schedule enough staff to cover your classrooms. If you have staffing issues due to sickness or late arrivals your teachers will need to not take children into the classroom until proper staffing can be accomplished and notify administration immediately. We discussed that in the event of an emergency such as a teacher seeking first aid or additional help for an emergency situation, you would need to document the incident and self-report the details to your child care consultant immediately. However, the staff/child ratio must be maintained at all times. The rule is found here 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS and the following must be met at all times: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; (3) a child two years of age and older may be placed with children under one year of age when a physician certifies that the developmental age of the child makes this placement appropriate; (4) when determined to be developmentally appropriate by the operator and parent, a child age two or older may be placed one age level above his or her chronological age without affecting the staff/child ratio for that group. This provision shall be limited to one child per group; (5) except as provided in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over; (6) except as provided in Subparagraph (2) of this Paragraph, children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age; (7) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio and no children under two years of age are in care, that caregiver may concurrently perform food preparation or other duties such as cleaning, activity planning and set up, or communication with families, that are not direct child care responsibilities as long as supervision of the children as specified in 10A NCAC 09 .1801 is maintained; (8) except as provided in Subparagraph (7) of this Paragraph, staff members and child care administrators who are counted in meeting the staff/child ratios as stated in this Rule shall not concurrently perform food preparation or other duties that are not direct child care responsibilities; (9) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; and (10) the staff/child ratio applicable to a classroom as described in this Paragraph shall be posted in that classroom in an area that parents are able to view at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .2203 WRITTEN WARNINGS A written warning, which shall include a corrective action plan, may be issued to an operator in regard to any violation including, but not limited to, these situations: (1) a substantiation of one or more violations as a result of a complaint that do not meet the criteria for a maltreatment finding in accordance with G.S. 110-105.3(b)(3) but for which corrective action is needed; (2) citation of 16 or more violations of separate rules in a single visit where the operator does not meet the criteria of other administrative actions set forth in this Section; or (3) citation of one of the following violations on two consecutive visits: (a) supervision of children; (b) discipline, nurture, or care of children; (c) staff/child ratio; (d) group size; (e) licensed capacity; (f) permit restriction; (g) CPR training; (h) First Aid training; (i) ITS-SIDS training; and (j) criminal record check requirements regarding pre-service and three-year reassessments in accordance with G.S. 110-90.2(b). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0825-352L Visit Date: 9/2/2025 Number Present: 76 Completed Date: 9/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner. Transportation requirements are not followed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed two (2) administrators and five (5) teachers. I observed early morning video dated August 5, 2025, in a room serving toddlers to observe staff/child ratio. I was provided with name to face sheets for August 5, 2025; however, the times were not posted consistently and I was unable to verify non-compliance using the sheet. The center does not provide transportation. The church does provide afterschool from 3 pm – 6 pm and weekly summer camps. Th programs will use the church vans however the program is not licensed. I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, outdoor play, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. After the walk through with Ms. Lamar, Bobbi Whitehead joined us in the office to discuss the allegations and to complete an interview. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed is confirmed. Based on video review dated August 5, 2025, the room serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am. At 7:42 am the ratio was seven (7) children to one (1) staff member. I observed that the teacher did not call the front desk for additional support. At approximately 7:46 am the ratio was eight (8) toddlers to one (1) staff member and at approximately 7:48 am there were nine (9) toddlers with one (1) teacher. Another teacher came into the classroom at 7:51 am. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner is not confirmed. All staff interviewed stated that at no time are children yelled at or made to stand in a corner facing a wall. Staff shared that children are given short periods of time-out or redirected. If a behavior problem persists, additional support for children is provided. Based on interviews with the administrators, there is a child who will turn around to face the wall if placed in time out. The child is currently receiving additional support including play therapy for behavior and the teachers redirect him as needed. Transportation requirements are not followed and is not confirmed. The center does not provide transportation. The following violations cited 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. Based on video review, Space 3 serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am on August 25, 2025. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) Compliance Statement 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 September 16, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Staff/Child Ratio We discussed that staff child ratio must be met at all times. There is not an emergency lapse or grace period for ratio. I suggest monitoring arrival times and staffing patterns to schedule enough staff to cover your classrooms. If you have staffing issues due to sickness or late arrivals your teachers will need to not take children into the classroom until proper staffing can be accomplished and notify administration immediately. We discussed that in the event of an emergency such as a teacher seeking first aid or additional help for an emergency situation, you would need to document the incident and self-report the details to your child care consultant immediately. However, the staff/child ratio must be maintained at all times. The rule is found here 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS and the following must be met at all times: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; (3) a child two years of age and older may be placed with children under one year of age when a physician certifies that the developmental age of the child makes this placement appropriate; (4) when determined to be developmentally appropriate by the operator and parent, a child age two or older may be placed one age level above his or her chronological age without affecting the staff/child ratio for that group. This provision shall be limited to one child per group; (5) except as provided in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over; (6) except as provided in Subparagraph (2) of this Paragraph, children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age; (7) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio and no children under two years of age are in care, that caregiver may concurrently perform food preparation or other duties such as cleaning, activity planning and set up, or communication with families, that are not direct child care responsibilities as long as supervision of the children as specified in 10A NCAC 09 .1801 is maintained; (8) except as provided in Subparagraph (7) of this Paragraph, staff members and child care administrators who are counted in meeting the staff/child ratios as stated in this Rule shall not concurrently perform food preparation or other duties that are not direct child care responsibilities; (9) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; and (10) the staff/child ratio applicable to a classroom as described in this Paragraph shall be posted in that classroom in an area that parents are able to view at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .2203 WRITTEN WARNINGS A written warning, which shall include a corrective action plan, may be issued to an operator in regard to any violation including, but not limited to, these situations: (1) a substantiation of one or more violations as a result of a complaint that do not meet the criteria for a maltreatment finding in accordance with G.S. 110-105.3(b)(3) but for which corrective action is needed; (2) citation of 16 or more violations of separate rules in a single visit where the operator does not meet the criteria of other administrative actions set forth in this Section; or (3) citation of one of the following violations on two consecutive visits: (a) supervision of children; (b) discipline, nurture, or care of children; (c) staff/child ratio; (d) group size; (e) licensed capacity; (f) permit restriction; (g) CPR training; (h) First Aid training; (i) ITS-SIDS training; and (j) criminal record check requirements regarding pre-service and three-year reassessments in accordance with G.S. 110-90.2(b). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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 110-106 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0825-352L Visit Date: 9/2/2025 Number Present: 76 Completed Date: 9/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner. Transportation requirements are not followed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed two (2) administrators and five (5) teachers. I observed early morning video dated August 5, 2025, in a room serving toddlers to observe staff/child ratio. I was provided with name to face sheets for August 5, 2025; however, the times were not posted consistently and I was unable to verify non-compliance using the sheet. The center does not provide transportation. The church does provide afterschool from 3 pm – 6 pm and weekly summer camps. Th programs will use the church vans however the program is not licensed. I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, outdoor play, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. After the walk through with Ms. Lamar, Bobbi Whitehead joined us in the office to discuss the allegations and to complete an interview. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed is confirmed. Based on video review dated August 5, 2025, the room serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am. At 7:42 am the ratio was seven (7) children to one (1) staff member. I observed that the teacher did not call the front desk for additional support. At approximately 7:46 am the ratio was eight (8) toddlers to one (1) staff member and at approximately 7:48 am there were nine (9) toddlers with one (1) teacher. Another teacher came into the classroom at 7:51 am. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner is not confirmed. All staff interviewed stated that at no time are children yelled at or made to stand in a corner facing a wall. Staff shared that children are given short periods of time-out or redirected. If a behavior problem persists, additional support for children is provided. Based on interviews with the administrators, there is a child who will turn around to face the wall if placed in time out. The child is currently receiving additional support including play therapy for behavior and the teachers redirect him as needed. Transportation requirements are not followed and is not confirmed. The center does not provide transportation. The following violations cited 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. Based on video review, Space 3 serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am on August 25, 2025. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) Compliance Statement 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 September 16, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Staff/Child Ratio We discussed that staff child ratio must be met at all times. There is not an emergency lapse or grace period for ratio. I suggest monitoring arrival times and staffing patterns to schedule enough staff to cover your classrooms. If you have staffing issues due to sickness or late arrivals your teachers will need to not take children into the classroom until proper staffing can be accomplished and notify administration immediately. We discussed that in the event of an emergency such as a teacher seeking first aid or additional help for an emergency situation, you would need to document the incident and self-report the details to your child care consultant immediately. However, the staff/child ratio must be maintained at all times. The rule is found here 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS and the following must be met at all times: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; (3) a child two years of age and older may be placed with children under one year of age when a physician certifies that the developmental age of the child makes this placement appropriate; (4) when determined to be developmentally appropriate by the operator and parent, a child age two or older may be placed one age level above his or her chronological age without affecting the staff/child ratio for that group. This provision shall be limited to one child per group; (5) except as provided in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over; (6) except as provided in Subparagraph (2) of this Paragraph, children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age; (7) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio and no children under two years of age are in care, that caregiver may concurrently perform food preparation or other duties such as cleaning, activity planning and set up, or communication with families, that are not direct child care responsibilities as long as supervision of the children as specified in 10A NCAC 09 .1801 is maintained; (8) except as provided in Subparagraph (7) of this Paragraph, staff members and child care administrators who are counted in meeting the staff/child ratios as stated in this Rule shall not concurrently perform food preparation or other duties that are not direct child care responsibilities; (9) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; and (10) the staff/child ratio applicable to a classroom as described in this Paragraph shall be posted in that classroom in an area that parents are able to view at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .2203 WRITTEN WARNINGS A written warning, which shall include a corrective action plan, may be issued to an operator in regard to any violation including, but not limited to, these situations: (1) a substantiation of one or more violations as a result of a complaint that do not meet the criteria for a maltreatment finding in accordance with G.S. 110-105.3(b)(3) but for which corrective action is needed; (2) citation of 16 or more violations of separate rules in a single visit where the operator does not meet the criteria of other administrative actions set forth in this Section; or (3) citation of one of the following violations on two consecutive visits: (a) supervision of children; (b) discipline, nurture, or care of children; (c) staff/child ratio; (d) group size; (e) licensed capacity; (f) permit restriction; (g) CPR training; (h) First Aid training; (i) ITS-SIDS training; and (j) criminal record check requirements regarding pre-service and three-year reassessments in accordance with G.S. 110-90.2(b). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0825-352L Visit Date: 9/2/2025 Number Present: 76 Completed Date: 9/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner. Transportation requirements are not followed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed two (2) administrators and five (5) teachers. I observed early morning video dated August 5, 2025, in a room serving toddlers to observe staff/child ratio. I was provided with name to face sheets for August 5, 2025; however, the times were not posted consistently and I was unable to verify non-compliance using the sheet. The center does not provide transportation. The church does provide afterschool from 3 pm – 6 pm and weekly summer camps. Th programs will use the church vans however the program is not licensed. I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, outdoor play, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. After the walk through with Ms. Lamar, Bobbi Whitehead joined us in the office to discuss the allegations and to complete an interview. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed is confirmed. Based on video review dated August 5, 2025, the room serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am. At 7:42 am the ratio was seven (7) children to one (1) staff member. I observed that the teacher did not call the front desk for additional support. At approximately 7:46 am the ratio was eight (8) toddlers to one (1) staff member and at approximately 7:48 am there were nine (9) toddlers with one (1) teacher. Another teacher came into the classroom at 7:51 am. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner is not confirmed. All staff interviewed stated that at no time are children yelled at or made to stand in a corner facing a wall. Staff shared that children are given short periods of time-out or redirected. If a behavior problem persists, additional support for children is provided. Based on interviews with the administrators, there is a child who will turn around to face the wall if placed in time out. The child is currently receiving additional support including play therapy for behavior and the teachers redirect him as needed. Transportation requirements are not followed and is not confirmed. The center does not provide transportation. The following violations cited 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. Based on video review, Space 3 serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am on August 25, 2025. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) Compliance Statement 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 September 16, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Staff/Child Ratio We discussed that staff child ratio must be met at all times. There is not an emergency lapse or grace period for ratio. I suggest monitoring arrival times and staffing patterns to schedule enough staff to cover your classrooms. If you have staffing issues due to sickness or late arrivals your teachers will need to not take children into the classroom until proper staffing can be accomplished and notify administration immediately. We discussed that in the event of an emergency such as a teacher seeking first aid or additional help for an emergency situation, you would need to document the incident and self-report the details to your child care consultant immediately. However, the staff/child ratio must be maintained at all times. The rule is found here 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS and the following must be met at all times: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; (3) a child two years of age and older may be placed with children under one year of age when a physician certifies that the developmental age of the child makes this placement appropriate; (4) when determined to be developmentally appropriate by the operator and parent, a child age two or older may be placed one age level above his or her chronological age without affecting the staff/child ratio for that group. This provision shall be limited to one child per group; (5) except as provided in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over; (6) except as provided in Subparagraph (2) of this Paragraph, children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age; (7) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio and no children under two years of age are in care, that caregiver may concurrently perform food preparation or other duties such as cleaning, activity planning and set up, or communication with families, that are not direct child care responsibilities as long as supervision of the children as specified in 10A NCAC 09 .1801 is maintained; (8) except as provided in Subparagraph (7) of this Paragraph, staff members and child care administrators who are counted in meeting the staff/child ratios as stated in this Rule shall not concurrently perform food preparation or other duties that are not direct child care responsibilities; (9) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; and (10) the staff/child ratio applicable to a classroom as described in this Paragraph shall be posted in that classroom in an area that parents are able to view at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .2203 WRITTEN WARNINGS A written warning, which shall include a corrective action plan, may be issued to an operator in regard to any violation including, but not limited to, these situations: (1) a substantiation of one or more violations as a result of a complaint that do not meet the criteria for a maltreatment finding in accordance with G.S. 110-105.3(b)(3) but for which corrective action is needed; (2) citation of 16 or more violations of separate rules in a single visit where the operator does not meet the criteria of other administrative actions set forth in this Section; or (3) citation of one of the following violations on two consecutive visits: (a) supervision of children; (b) discipline, nurture, or care of children; (c) staff/child ratio; (d) group size; (e) licensed capacity; (f) permit restriction; (g) CPR training; (h) First Aid training; (i) ITS-SIDS training; and (j) criminal record check requirements regarding pre-service and three-year reassessments in accordance with G.S. 110-90.2(b). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0825-352L Visit Date: 9/2/2025 Number Present: 76 Completed Date: 9/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner. Transportation requirements are not followed. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed two (2) administrators and five (5) teachers. I observed early morning video dated August 5, 2025, in a room serving toddlers to observe staff/child ratio. I was provided with name to face sheets for August 5, 2025; however, the times were not posted consistently and I was unable to verify non-compliance using the sheet. The center does not provide transportation. The church does provide afterschool from 3 pm – 6 pm and weekly summer camps. Th programs will use the church vans however the program is not licensed. I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, outdoor play, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Staff were interacting with children in a caring and nurturing manner. After the walk through with Ms. Lamar, Bobbi Whitehead joined us in the office to discuss the allegations and to complete an interview. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Staff/Child Ratios are not followed is confirmed. Based on video review dated August 5, 2025, the room serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am. At 7:42 am the ratio was seven (7) children to one (1) staff member. I observed that the teacher did not call the front desk for additional support. At approximately 7:46 am the ratio was eight (8) toddlers to one (1) staff member and at approximately 7:48 am there were nine (9) toddlers with one (1) teacher. Another teacher came into the classroom at 7:51 am. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner is not confirmed. All staff interviewed stated that at no time are children yelled at or made to stand in a corner facing a wall. Staff shared that children are given short periods of time-out or redirected. If a behavior problem persists, additional support for children is provided. Based on interviews with the administrators, there is a child who will turn around to face the wall if placed in time out. The child is currently receiving additional support including play therapy for behavior and the teachers redirect him as needed. Transportation requirements are not followed and is not confirmed. The center does not provide transportation. The following violations cited 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. Based on video review, Space 3 serving toddlers ages one to two years old was out of ratio for approximately 9 (nine) minutes from 7:42 am – 7:51 am on August 25, 2025. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) Compliance Statement 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 September 16, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Staff/Child Ratio We discussed that staff child ratio must be met at all times. There is not an emergency lapse or grace period for ratio. I suggest monitoring arrival times and staffing patterns to schedule enough staff to cover your classrooms. If you have staffing issues due to sickness or late arrivals your teachers will need to not take children into the classroom until proper staffing can be accomplished and notify administration immediately. We discussed that in the event of an emergency such as a teacher seeking first aid or additional help for an emergency situation, you would need to document the incident and self-report the details to your child care consultant immediately. However, the staff/child ratio must be maintained at all times. The rule is found here 10A NCAC 09 .0713 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS FOR CENTERS and the following must be met at all times: (1) when combining age groups, the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group shall be maintained for the entire group; (2) children of all ages may be cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained; (3) a child two years of age and older may be placed with children under one year of age when a physician certifies that the developmental age of the child makes this placement appropriate; (4) when determined to be developmentally appropriate by the operator and parent, a child age two or older may be placed one age level above his or her chronological age without affecting the staff/child ratio for that group. This provision shall be limited to one child per group; (5) except as provided in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph, children under one year of age shall be kept separate from children two years of age and over; (6) except as provided in Subparagraph (2) of this Paragraph, children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months shall not be grouped with older children unless all children in the group are less than three years of age; (7) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio and no children under two years of age are in care, that caregiver may concurrently perform food preparation or other duties such as cleaning, activity planning and set up, or communication with families, that are not direct child care responsibilities as long as supervision of the children as specified in 10A NCAC 09 .1801 is maintained; (8) except as provided in Subparagraph (7) of this Paragraph, staff members and child care administrators who are counted in meeting the staff/child ratios as stated in this Rule shall not concurrently perform food preparation or other duties that are not direct child care responsibilities; (9) when only one caregiver is required to meet the staff/child ratio, the center shall post the name, address, and telephone number of an adult who has agreed in writing to be available to provide emergency relief; and (10) the staff/child ratio applicable to a classroom as described in this Paragraph shall be posted in that classroom in an area that parents are able to view at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .2203 WRITTEN WARNINGS A written warning, which shall include a corrective action plan, may be issued to an operator in regard to any violation including, but not limited to, these situations: (1) a substantiation of one or more violations as a result of a complaint that do not meet the criteria for a maltreatment finding in accordance with G.S. 110-105.3(b)(3) but for which corrective action is needed; (2) citation of 16 or more violations of separate rules in a single visit where the operator does not meet the criteria of other administrative actions set forth in this Section; or (3) citation of one of the following violations on two consecutive visits: (a) supervision of children; (b) discipline, nurture, or care of children; (c) staff/child ratio; (d) group size; (e) licensed capacity; (f) permit restriction; (g) CPR training; (h) First Aid training; (i) ITS-SIDS training; and (j) criminal record check requirements regarding pre-service and three-year reassessments in accordance with G.S. 110-90.2(b). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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 110-106 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0825-210L Visit Date: 8/25/2025 Number Present: 89 Completed Date: 8/25/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director, and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: A child was not supervised following an incident resulting in injury. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner nor administered proper first aid following an incident resulting in injury. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed two (2) administrators and two (2) teachers. I observed Room 105 and reviewed video footage dated August 5, 2025. I observed and reviewed an incident report dated August 5, 2025. The report was submitted to the Division on Monday, August 18, 2025. A violation was cited. I reviewed CPR/First Aid certifications for administrators and staff caring for children in Space 105 August 5, 2025, and found in compliance. I observed the First Aid Poster posted in the classroom. I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, outdoor play, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Children were not supervised during an incident resulting in injury is not confirmed. I reviewed the video footage dated August 5, 2025, from 9:46 am until 9:52 am. One teacher, changing diapers, was able to hear the child crying. The other teacher assisting children behind a cubby also stated she was able to hear the child crying. The video does not have audio, both teachers confirmed they were able to see or hear the children at all times and heard the child crying. All staff stated that children are seen or heard at all times in the facility. All staff stated that children are seen and heard while eating. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner nor administered proper first aid following an incident resulting in injury is confirmed. A child tripped and hit the shelf of a play sink in the classroom at 9:46:13 am resulting in a large bump on the head. Staff interviewed stated that a child could be heard crying. One teacher alerted another teacher to check on the child. Based on video footage, the teacher alerted walked past the crying child to the sink to fill up a water bottle, took a drink and then proceeded to the child. The teacher did not check to see why the child was crying and did not console the child. The teacher proceeded to sit on a bookshelf while the child cried. The child walked toward the seated teacher at 9:47:06 am. The child was picked up by another teacher who had just finished diaper changes at 9:47:20 and was held without medical care until after 9:52:58 when a substitute entered the room allowing the caregiver to leave with the child. There is no video footage once the child leaves the room. The Regulations Coordinator stated she applied ice to the child’s head around 9:56 am. The child fell asleep while being held in the lobby. The Regulations Coordinator continued to wake the child to monitor for consciousness and the child awakened each time. The parent picked up the child at 10:26 am and took the child to the emergency room for additional evaluation. A CT scan was completed and came back normal. The following violations were cited: Violation Number Comment Rule 491 Caregiver did not respond at the earliest opportunity to an infant or toddler’s physical and emotional needs. In Space 4, a one year old child was not attended to in a nurturing manner following an incident resulting in an injury. A teacher did not respond to a crying child to assess or console immediately following an incident. .0511(b)(1) 1911 An incident report was not completed and mailed to a Division representative within seven days after the incident when medical treatment was required. .0802(f) COMPLIANCE STATEMENT 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 September 8, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance We reviewed the following : We discussed that consoling children and responding to needs of a child should be immediate. I suggest that you review nurture and care requirements with your staff. Incident Reports We discussed that incident reports should be sent to me within seven (7) calendar days of the incident. If you are waiting for a parent signature, please go ahead and send to me within the required time frame documenting the parent has not signed the report. Please complete the report with all details prior to submitting them including off site medical care and any follow-up. Please include the witnesses to the incident. Please add both teacher’s in the classroom at the time of the incident to the report and submit it to me again with the changes dated. First Aid Response We discussed reviewing all first aid procedures regarding head injuries with staff and reviewing that in an emergency a staff member can seek medical attention. If a staff member is alone, call for help by yelling into the hallway, If an emergency situation occurs, the group may be left out of ratio if all details are documented for review by the division. Classroom Design I suggest that all changing tables be positioned to face the classroom and that all furniture be positioned for best sight. I suggest observing the classroom from the changing area to make sure teachers can see the classroom corners easily. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0825-210L Visit Date: 8/25/2025 Number Present: 89 Completed Date: 8/25/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director, and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The allegations are as follows: A child was not supervised following an incident resulting in injury. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner nor administered proper first aid following an incident resulting in injury. During today’s visit, I monitored all classrooms, interviewed two (2) administrators and two (2) teachers. I observed Room 105 and reviewed video footage dated August 5, 2025. I observed and reviewed an incident report dated August 5, 2025. The report was submitted to the Division on Monday, August 18, 2025. A violation was cited. I reviewed CPR/First Aid certifications for administrators and staff caring for children in Space 105 August 5, 2025, and found in compliance. I observed the First Aid Poster posted in the classroom. I observed children engaged in center play, circle time, outdoor play, teacher directed activities, and personal care routines. Supervision and staff child ratios were observed in compliance. Findings: Based on interviews, observations, and records review the following was determined: Children were not supervised during an incident resulting in injury is not confirmed. I reviewed the video footage dated August 5, 2025, from 9:46 am until 9:52 am. One teacher, changing diapers, was able to hear the child crying. The other teacher assisting children behind a cubby also stated she was able to hear the child crying. The video does not have audio, both teachers confirmed they were able to see or hear the children at all times and heard the child crying. All staff stated that children are seen or heard at all times in the facility. All staff stated that children are seen and heard while eating. A child was not cared for in a nurturing and caring manner nor administered proper first aid following an incident resulting in injury is confirmed. A child tripped and hit the shelf of a play sink in the classroom at 9:46:13 am resulting in a large bump on the head. Staff interviewed stated that a child could be heard crying. One teacher alerted another teacher to check on the child. Based on video footage, the teacher alerted walked past the crying child to the sink to fill up a water bottle, took a drink and then proceeded to the child. The teacher did not check to see why the child was crying and did not console the child. The teacher proceeded to sit on a bookshelf while the child cried. The child walked toward the seated teacher at 9:47:06 am. The child was picked up by another teacher who had just finished diaper changes at 9:47:20 and was held without medical care until after 9:52:58 when a substitute entered the room allowing the caregiver to leave with the child. There is no video footage once the child leaves the room. The Regulations Coordinator stated she applied ice to the child’s head around 9:56 am. The child fell asleep while being held in the lobby. The Regulations Coordinator continued to wake the child to monitor for consciousness and the child awakened each time. The parent picked up the child at 10:26 am and took the child to the emergency room for additional evaluation. A CT scan was completed and came back normal. The following violations were cited: Violation Number Comment Rule 491 Caregiver did not respond at the earliest opportunity to an infant or toddler’s physical and emotional needs. In Space 4, a one year old child was not attended to in a nurturing manner following an incident resulting in an injury. A teacher did not respond to a crying child to assess or console immediately following an incident. .0511(b)(1) 1911 An incident report was not completed and mailed to a Division representative within seven days after the incident when medical treatment was required. .0802(f) COMPLIANCE STATEMENT 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 September 8, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. A follow-up visit may be conducted. Please be aware that 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. Email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance We reviewed the following : We discussed that consoling children and responding to needs of a child should be immediate. I suggest that you review nurture and care requirements with your staff. Incident Reports We discussed that incident reports should be sent to me within seven (7) calendar days of the incident. If you are waiting for a parent signature, please go ahead and send to me within the required time frame documenting the parent has not signed the report. Please complete the report with all details prior to submitting them including off site medical care and any follow-up. Please include the witnesses to the incident. Please add both teacher’s in the classroom at the time of the incident to the report and submit it to me again with the changes dated. First Aid Response We discussed reviewing all first aid procedures regarding head injuries with staff and reviewing that in an emergency a staff member can seek medical attention. If a staff member is alone, call for help by yelling into the hallway, If an emergency situation occurs, the group may be left out of ratio if all details are documented for review by the division. Classroom Design I suggest that all changing tables be positioned to face the classroom and that all furniture be positioned for best sight. I suggest observing the classroom from the changing area to make sure teachers can see the classroom corners easily. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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 .0604 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/10/2025 Number Present: 103 Completed Date: 3/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 04:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 27, 2024. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 20, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 10, 2025, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director, and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The Written Reprimand dated November 7, 2024 and the Written Warning date November 27, 2024 were prominently posted. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. All stipulations have been met except for Stipulation 2. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: Causes of Misbehavior: Why do they act that way? within one (1) week of the WW received. This training was conducted on January 28, 2025. One staff member was not able to attend this training due to a medical leave of absence to care for a terminally ill parent. The staff member returned to work today. This stipulation is not met. Ms. Whitehead contacted Jennifer Kappas regarding a virtual training date for this teacher to complete the training prior to her return. Ms. Kappas provided a trainer’s contact information and Ms. Whitehead was told to make contact to schedule the staff member upon her return. Ms. Whitehead will email me with the training date and then the completed training certificate once the staff completes the requirement. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Whitehead. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for rest time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, free play, activity centers, transitions and teacher directed activities. I observed teachers on the floor with the children transitioning children to sleep. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep sign posted and reminder Ms. Whitehead that the Safe Sleep Policy for the center also needed to be posted. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets for today and the week of March 3, 2025 and found them in compliance. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored each room for safe indoor environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. In a room serving infants I observed electrical cords from two swings, Aquaphor in a diaper bag in a low cubby, plastic wrapped pampers in an unlocked storage closet, soiled clothes in a bag in a diaper bag located in a low cubby. Baggies were observed in emergency bags stored lower than five (5) feet. In a space serving toddlers and twos, a broken beaded necklace was in a backpack in a child’s cubby accessible to children. I monitored all emergency medications and diaper creams today. Please see violations section for details. Due to onset of inclement weather, I was unable to monitor the outdoor play area. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted February 19, 2025. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 31, 2024, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 25, 2024, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated April 24, 2024, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center provides transportation and was in compliance with all requirements. Twelve (12) children’s files were selected, reviewed and two (2) violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Three (3) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. In Space 6, electrical cords to two (2) swings were accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 5, emergency medication was stored lower than five (5) feet in a bag accessible to children. In Space 6, Aquaphor was stored in a child's diaper bag in a cubby less than five (5) feet. In Space 3, a light stick was stored in the emergency bag accessible to children. .2820(b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 2 and 11 emergency medication was not in original box with prescription label. .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Spaces 4 and 5 emergency medication did not have permission to administer form signed by the parent. In Spaces 10 and 11, the permission to administer medication was expired. In Space 12, Motrin for a child did not have permission to administer form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 10, Zyrtec dated 10/2024 had not been discarded. .0803(12) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 7, soiled clothes were stored in a plastic bag in a child's diaper bag in a cubby accessible to children. In Space 3, small beads were stored in a child's backpack in a cubby accessible to children and plastic baggies were observed in the emergency bag. In Space 2, a target bag was observed lower than five (5) feet on the ledge in the diapering area. .0604(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member hired 8/1/2016 has a medical statement on file dated 5/12/2003. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Three (3) staff members did not have an annual current HQ on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) employee did not have a current annual Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 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. One (1) employee ITS-SIDS certification expired 1/22/2025. .1102(f) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 9/21/2020 did not have a medical assessment on file until 1/4/2021. GS110-91(1) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One child(1) did not have a signed policy on file. .0608(b) Compliance Statement: 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 March 24, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Please review the following rules regarding safety in Child Care Centers: 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (f)Electrical cords shall not be accessible to infants and toddlers. Extension cords, except as approved by the local fire inspector, shall not be used. Frayed or cracked electrical cords shall be replaced. (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. We discussed that you have completed the Moodle Training for ABCMS and are working on the roster. You will provide the code for your staff and have the staff add themselves to the roster. ABCMS (Criminal Background System): North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators 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. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 in 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/10/2025 Number Present: 103 Completed Date: 3/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 04:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 27, 2024. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 20, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 10, 2025, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director, and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The Written Reprimand dated November 7, 2024 and the Written Warning date November 27, 2024 were prominently posted. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. All stipulations have been met except for Stipulation 2. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: Causes of Misbehavior: Why do they act that way? within one (1) week of the WW received. This training was conducted on January 28, 2025. One staff member was not able to attend this training due to a medical leave of absence to care for a terminally ill parent. The staff member returned to work today. This stipulation is not met. Ms. Whitehead contacted Jennifer Kappas regarding a virtual training date for this teacher to complete the training prior to her return. Ms. Kappas provided a trainer’s contact information and Ms. Whitehead was told to make contact to schedule the staff member upon her return. Ms. Whitehead will email me with the training date and then the completed training certificate once the staff completes the requirement. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Whitehead. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for rest time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, free play, activity centers, transitions and teacher directed activities. I observed teachers on the floor with the children transitioning children to sleep. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep sign posted and reminder Ms. Whitehead that the Safe Sleep Policy for the center also needed to be posted. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets for today and the week of March 3, 2025 and found them in compliance. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored each room for safe indoor environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. In a room serving infants I observed electrical cords from two swings, Aquaphor in a diaper bag in a low cubby, plastic wrapped pampers in an unlocked storage closet, soiled clothes in a bag in a diaper bag located in a low cubby. Baggies were observed in emergency bags stored lower than five (5) feet. In a space serving toddlers and twos, a broken beaded necklace was in a backpack in a child’s cubby accessible to children. I monitored all emergency medications and diaper creams today. Please see violations section for details. Due to onset of inclement weather, I was unable to monitor the outdoor play area. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted February 19, 2025. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 31, 2024, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 25, 2024, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated April 24, 2024, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center provides transportation and was in compliance with all requirements. Twelve (12) children’s files were selected, reviewed and two (2) violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Three (3) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. In Space 6, electrical cords to two (2) swings were accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 5, emergency medication was stored lower than five (5) feet in a bag accessible to children. In Space 6, Aquaphor was stored in a child's diaper bag in a cubby less than five (5) feet. In Space 3, a light stick was stored in the emergency bag accessible to children. .2820(b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 2 and 11 emergency medication was not in original box with prescription label. .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Spaces 4 and 5 emergency medication did not have permission to administer form signed by the parent. In Spaces 10 and 11, the permission to administer medication was expired. In Space 12, Motrin for a child did not have permission to administer form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 10, Zyrtec dated 10/2024 had not been discarded. .0803(12) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 7, soiled clothes were stored in a plastic bag in a child's diaper bag in a cubby accessible to children. In Space 3, small beads were stored in a child's backpack in a cubby accessible to children and plastic baggies were observed in the emergency bag. In Space 2, a target bag was observed lower than five (5) feet on the ledge in the diapering area. .0604(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member hired 8/1/2016 has a medical statement on file dated 5/12/2003. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Three (3) staff members did not have an annual current HQ on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) employee did not have a current annual Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 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. One (1) employee ITS-SIDS certification expired 1/22/2025. .1102(f) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 9/21/2020 did not have a medical assessment on file until 1/4/2021. GS110-91(1) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One child(1) did not have a signed policy on file. .0608(b) Compliance Statement: 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 March 24, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Please review the following rules regarding safety in Child Care Centers: 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (f)Electrical cords shall not be accessible to infants and toddlers. Extension cords, except as approved by the local fire inspector, shall not be used. Frayed or cracked electrical cords shall be replaced. (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. We discussed that you have completed the Moodle Training for ABCMS and are working on the roster. You will provide the code for your staff and have the staff add themselves to the roster. ABCMS (Criminal Background System): North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators 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. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 in 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/10/2025 Number Present: 103 Completed Date: 3/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 04:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 27, 2024. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 20, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 10, 2025, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director, and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The Written Reprimand dated November 7, 2024 and the Written Warning date November 27, 2024 were prominently posted. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. All stipulations have been met except for Stipulation 2. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: Causes of Misbehavior: Why do they act that way? within one (1) week of the WW received. This training was conducted on January 28, 2025. One staff member was not able to attend this training due to a medical leave of absence to care for a terminally ill parent. The staff member returned to work today. This stipulation is not met. Ms. Whitehead contacted Jennifer Kappas regarding a virtual training date for this teacher to complete the training prior to her return. Ms. Kappas provided a trainer’s contact information and Ms. Whitehead was told to make contact to schedule the staff member upon her return. Ms. Whitehead will email me with the training date and then the completed training certificate once the staff completes the requirement. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Whitehead. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for rest time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, free play, activity centers, transitions and teacher directed activities. I observed teachers on the floor with the children transitioning children to sleep. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep sign posted and reminder Ms. Whitehead that the Safe Sleep Policy for the center also needed to be posted. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets for today and the week of March 3, 2025 and found them in compliance. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored each room for safe indoor environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. In a room serving infants I observed electrical cords from two swings, Aquaphor in a diaper bag in a low cubby, plastic wrapped pampers in an unlocked storage closet, soiled clothes in a bag in a diaper bag located in a low cubby. Baggies were observed in emergency bags stored lower than five (5) feet. In a space serving toddlers and twos, a broken beaded necklace was in a backpack in a child’s cubby accessible to children. I monitored all emergency medications and diaper creams today. Please see violations section for details. Due to onset of inclement weather, I was unable to monitor the outdoor play area. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted February 19, 2025. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 31, 2024, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 25, 2024, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated April 24, 2024, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center provides transportation and was in compliance with all requirements. Twelve (12) children’s files were selected, reviewed and two (2) violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Three (3) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. In Space 6, electrical cords to two (2) swings were accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 5, emergency medication was stored lower than five (5) feet in a bag accessible to children. In Space 6, Aquaphor was stored in a child's diaper bag in a cubby less than five (5) feet. In Space 3, a light stick was stored in the emergency bag accessible to children. .2820(b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 2 and 11 emergency medication was not in original box with prescription label. .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Spaces 4 and 5 emergency medication did not have permission to administer form signed by the parent. In Spaces 10 and 11, the permission to administer medication was expired. In Space 12, Motrin for a child did not have permission to administer form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 10, Zyrtec dated 10/2024 had not been discarded. .0803(12) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 7, soiled clothes were stored in a plastic bag in a child's diaper bag in a cubby accessible to children. In Space 3, small beads were stored in a child's backpack in a cubby accessible to children and plastic baggies were observed in the emergency bag. In Space 2, a target bag was observed lower than five (5) feet on the ledge in the diapering area. .0604(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member hired 8/1/2016 has a medical statement on file dated 5/12/2003. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Three (3) staff members did not have an annual current HQ on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) employee did not have a current annual Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 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. One (1) employee ITS-SIDS certification expired 1/22/2025. .1102(f) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 9/21/2020 did not have a medical assessment on file until 1/4/2021. GS110-91(1) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One child(1) did not have a signed policy on file. .0608(b) Compliance Statement: 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 March 24, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Please review the following rules regarding safety in Child Care Centers: 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (f)Electrical cords shall not be accessible to infants and toddlers. Extension cords, except as approved by the local fire inspector, shall not be used. Frayed or cracked electrical cords shall be replaced. (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. We discussed that you have completed the Moodle Training for ABCMS and are working on the roster. You will provide the code for your staff and have the staff add themselves to the roster. ABCMS (Criminal Background System): North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators 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. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 in 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/10/2025 Number Present: 103 Completed Date: 3/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 04:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 27, 2024. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 20, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 10, 2025, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director, and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The Written Reprimand dated November 7, 2024 and the Written Warning date November 27, 2024 were prominently posted. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. All stipulations have been met except for Stipulation 2. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: Causes of Misbehavior: Why do they act that way? within one (1) week of the WW received. This training was conducted on January 28, 2025. One staff member was not able to attend this training due to a medical leave of absence to care for a terminally ill parent. The staff member returned to work today. This stipulation is not met. Ms. Whitehead contacted Jennifer Kappas regarding a virtual training date for this teacher to complete the training prior to her return. Ms. Kappas provided a trainer’s contact information and Ms. Whitehead was told to make contact to schedule the staff member upon her return. Ms. Whitehead will email me with the training date and then the completed training certificate once the staff completes the requirement. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Whitehead. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for rest time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, free play, activity centers, transitions and teacher directed activities. I observed teachers on the floor with the children transitioning children to sleep. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep sign posted and reminder Ms. Whitehead that the Safe Sleep Policy for the center also needed to be posted. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets for today and the week of March 3, 2025 and found them in compliance. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored each room for safe indoor environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. In a room serving infants I observed electrical cords from two swings, Aquaphor in a diaper bag in a low cubby, plastic wrapped pampers in an unlocked storage closet, soiled clothes in a bag in a diaper bag located in a low cubby. Baggies were observed in emergency bags stored lower than five (5) feet. In a space serving toddlers and twos, a broken beaded necklace was in a backpack in a child’s cubby accessible to children. I monitored all emergency medications and diaper creams today. Please see violations section for details. Due to onset of inclement weather, I was unable to monitor the outdoor play area. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted February 19, 2025. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 31, 2024, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 25, 2024, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated April 24, 2024, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center provides transportation and was in compliance with all requirements. Twelve (12) children’s files were selected, reviewed and two (2) violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Three (3) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. In Space 6, electrical cords to two (2) swings were accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 5, emergency medication was stored lower than five (5) feet in a bag accessible to children. In Space 6, Aquaphor was stored in a child's diaper bag in a cubby less than five (5) feet. In Space 3, a light stick was stored in the emergency bag accessible to children. .2820(b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 2 and 11 emergency medication was not in original box with prescription label. .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Spaces 4 and 5 emergency medication did not have permission to administer form signed by the parent. In Spaces 10 and 11, the permission to administer medication was expired. In Space 12, Motrin for a child did not have permission to administer form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 10, Zyrtec dated 10/2024 had not been discarded. .0803(12) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 7, soiled clothes were stored in a plastic bag in a child's diaper bag in a cubby accessible to children. In Space 3, small beads were stored in a child's backpack in a cubby accessible to children and plastic baggies were observed in the emergency bag. In Space 2, a target bag was observed lower than five (5) feet on the ledge in the diapering area. .0604(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member hired 8/1/2016 has a medical statement on file dated 5/12/2003. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Three (3) staff members did not have an annual current HQ on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) employee did not have a current annual Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 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. One (1) employee ITS-SIDS certification expired 1/22/2025. .1102(f) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 9/21/2020 did not have a medical assessment on file until 1/4/2021. GS110-91(1) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One child(1) did not have a signed policy on file. .0608(b) Compliance Statement: 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 March 24, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Please review the following rules regarding safety in Child Care Centers: 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (f)Electrical cords shall not be accessible to infants and toddlers. Extension cords, except as approved by the local fire inspector, shall not be used. Frayed or cracked electrical cords shall be replaced. (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. We discussed that you have completed the Moodle Training for ABCMS and are working on the roster. You will provide the code for your staff and have the staff add themselves to the roster. ABCMS (Criminal Background System): North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators 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. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 in 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/10/2025 Number Present: 103 Completed Date: 3/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 04:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 27, 2024. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 20, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 10, 2025, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director, and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The Written Reprimand dated November 7, 2024 and the Written Warning date November 27, 2024 were prominently posted. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. All stipulations have been met except for Stipulation 2. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: Causes of Misbehavior: Why do they act that way? within one (1) week of the WW received. This training was conducted on January 28, 2025. One staff member was not able to attend this training due to a medical leave of absence to care for a terminally ill parent. The staff member returned to work today. This stipulation is not met. Ms. Whitehead contacted Jennifer Kappas regarding a virtual training date for this teacher to complete the training prior to her return. Ms. Kappas provided a trainer’s contact information and Ms. Whitehead was told to make contact to schedule the staff member upon her return. Ms. Whitehead will email me with the training date and then the completed training certificate once the staff completes the requirement. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Whitehead. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for rest time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, free play, activity centers, transitions and teacher directed activities. I observed teachers on the floor with the children transitioning children to sleep. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep sign posted and reminder Ms. Whitehead that the Safe Sleep Policy for the center also needed to be posted. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets for today and the week of March 3, 2025 and found them in compliance. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored each room for safe indoor environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. In a room serving infants I observed electrical cords from two swings, Aquaphor in a diaper bag in a low cubby, plastic wrapped pampers in an unlocked storage closet, soiled clothes in a bag in a diaper bag located in a low cubby. Baggies were observed in emergency bags stored lower than five (5) feet. In a space serving toddlers and twos, a broken beaded necklace was in a backpack in a child’s cubby accessible to children. I monitored all emergency medications and diaper creams today. Please see violations section for details. Due to onset of inclement weather, I was unable to monitor the outdoor play area. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted February 19, 2025. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 31, 2024, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 25, 2024, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated April 24, 2024, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center provides transportation and was in compliance with all requirements. Twelve (12) children’s files were selected, reviewed and two (2) violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Three (3) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. In Space 6, electrical cords to two (2) swings were accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 5, emergency medication was stored lower than five (5) feet in a bag accessible to children. In Space 6, Aquaphor was stored in a child's diaper bag in a cubby less than five (5) feet. In Space 3, a light stick was stored in the emergency bag accessible to children. .2820(b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 2 and 11 emergency medication was not in original box with prescription label. .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Spaces 4 and 5 emergency medication did not have permission to administer form signed by the parent. In Spaces 10 and 11, the permission to administer medication was expired. In Space 12, Motrin for a child did not have permission to administer form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 10, Zyrtec dated 10/2024 had not been discarded. .0803(12) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 7, soiled clothes were stored in a plastic bag in a child's diaper bag in a cubby accessible to children. In Space 3, small beads were stored in a child's backpack in a cubby accessible to children and plastic baggies were observed in the emergency bag. In Space 2, a target bag was observed lower than five (5) feet on the ledge in the diapering area. .0604(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member hired 8/1/2016 has a medical statement on file dated 5/12/2003. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Three (3) staff members did not have an annual current HQ on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) employee did not have a current annual Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 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. One (1) employee ITS-SIDS certification expired 1/22/2025. .1102(f) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 9/21/2020 did not have a medical assessment on file until 1/4/2021. GS110-91(1) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One child(1) did not have a signed policy on file. .0608(b) Compliance Statement: 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 March 24, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Please review the following rules regarding safety in Child Care Centers: 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (f)Electrical cords shall not be accessible to infants and toddlers. Extension cords, except as approved by the local fire inspector, shall not be used. Frayed or cracked electrical cords shall be replaced. (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. We discussed that you have completed the Moodle Training for ABCMS and are working on the roster. You will provide the code for your staff and have the staff add themselves to the roster. ABCMS (Criminal Background System): North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators 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. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 in 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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 110-106 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/10/2025 Number Present: 103 Completed Date: 3/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 04:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 27, 2024. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 20, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 10, 2025, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director, and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The Written Reprimand dated November 7, 2024 and the Written Warning date November 27, 2024 were prominently posted. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. All stipulations have been met except for Stipulation 2. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: Causes of Misbehavior: Why do they act that way? within one (1) week of the WW received. This training was conducted on January 28, 2025. One staff member was not able to attend this training due to a medical leave of absence to care for a terminally ill parent. The staff member returned to work today. This stipulation is not met. Ms. Whitehead contacted Jennifer Kappas regarding a virtual training date for this teacher to complete the training prior to her return. Ms. Kappas provided a trainer’s contact information and Ms. Whitehead was told to make contact to schedule the staff member upon her return. Ms. Whitehead will email me with the training date and then the completed training certificate once the staff completes the requirement. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Whitehead. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for rest time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, free play, activity centers, transitions and teacher directed activities. I observed teachers on the floor with the children transitioning children to sleep. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep sign posted and reminder Ms. Whitehead that the Safe Sleep Policy for the center also needed to be posted. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets for today and the week of March 3, 2025 and found them in compliance. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored each room for safe indoor environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. In a room serving infants I observed electrical cords from two swings, Aquaphor in a diaper bag in a low cubby, plastic wrapped pampers in an unlocked storage closet, soiled clothes in a bag in a diaper bag located in a low cubby. Baggies were observed in emergency bags stored lower than five (5) feet. In a space serving toddlers and twos, a broken beaded necklace was in a backpack in a child’s cubby accessible to children. I monitored all emergency medications and diaper creams today. Please see violations section for details. Due to onset of inclement weather, I was unable to monitor the outdoor play area. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted February 19, 2025. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 31, 2024, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 25, 2024, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated April 24, 2024, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center provides transportation and was in compliance with all requirements. Twelve (12) children’s files were selected, reviewed and two (2) violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Three (3) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. In Space 6, electrical cords to two (2) swings were accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 5, emergency medication was stored lower than five (5) feet in a bag accessible to children. In Space 6, Aquaphor was stored in a child's diaper bag in a cubby less than five (5) feet. In Space 3, a light stick was stored in the emergency bag accessible to children. .2820(b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 2 and 11 emergency medication was not in original box with prescription label. .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Spaces 4 and 5 emergency medication did not have permission to administer form signed by the parent. In Spaces 10 and 11, the permission to administer medication was expired. In Space 12, Motrin for a child did not have permission to administer form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 10, Zyrtec dated 10/2024 had not been discarded. .0803(12) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 7, soiled clothes were stored in a plastic bag in a child's diaper bag in a cubby accessible to children. In Space 3, small beads were stored in a child's backpack in a cubby accessible to children and plastic baggies were observed in the emergency bag. In Space 2, a target bag was observed lower than five (5) feet on the ledge in the diapering area. .0604(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member hired 8/1/2016 has a medical statement on file dated 5/12/2003. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Three (3) staff members did not have an annual current HQ on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) employee did not have a current annual Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 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. One (1) employee ITS-SIDS certification expired 1/22/2025. .1102(f) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 9/21/2020 did not have a medical assessment on file until 1/4/2021. GS110-91(1) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One child(1) did not have a signed policy on file. .0608(b) Compliance Statement: 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 March 24, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Please review the following rules regarding safety in Child Care Centers: 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (f)Electrical cords shall not be accessible to infants and toddlers. Extension cords, except as approved by the local fire inspector, shall not be used. Frayed or cracked electrical cords shall be replaced. (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. We discussed that you have completed the Moodle Training for ABCMS and are working on the roster. You will provide the code for your staff and have the staff add themselves to the roster. ABCMS (Criminal Background System): North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators 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. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 in 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/10/2025 Number Present: 103 Completed Date: 3/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 04:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 27, 2024. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 20, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 10, 2025, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director, and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The Written Reprimand dated November 7, 2024 and the Written Warning date November 27, 2024 were prominently posted. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. All stipulations have been met except for Stipulation 2. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: Causes of Misbehavior: Why do they act that way? within one (1) week of the WW received. This training was conducted on January 28, 2025. One staff member was not able to attend this training due to a medical leave of absence to care for a terminally ill parent. The staff member returned to work today. This stipulation is not met. Ms. Whitehead contacted Jennifer Kappas regarding a virtual training date for this teacher to complete the training prior to her return. Ms. Kappas provided a trainer’s contact information and Ms. Whitehead was told to make contact to schedule the staff member upon her return. Ms. Whitehead will email me with the training date and then the completed training certificate once the staff completes the requirement. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Whitehead. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for rest time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, free play, activity centers, transitions and teacher directed activities. I observed teachers on the floor with the children transitioning children to sleep. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep sign posted and reminder Ms. Whitehead that the Safe Sleep Policy for the center also needed to be posted. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets for today and the week of March 3, 2025 and found them in compliance. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored each room for safe indoor environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. In a room serving infants I observed electrical cords from two swings, Aquaphor in a diaper bag in a low cubby, plastic wrapped pampers in an unlocked storage closet, soiled clothes in a bag in a diaper bag located in a low cubby. Baggies were observed in emergency bags stored lower than five (5) feet. In a space serving toddlers and twos, a broken beaded necklace was in a backpack in a child’s cubby accessible to children. I monitored all emergency medications and diaper creams today. Please see violations section for details. Due to onset of inclement weather, I was unable to monitor the outdoor play area. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted February 19, 2025. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 31, 2024, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 25, 2024, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated April 24, 2024, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center provides transportation and was in compliance with all requirements. Twelve (12) children’s files were selected, reviewed and two (2) violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Three (3) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. In Space 6, electrical cords to two (2) swings were accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 5, emergency medication was stored lower than five (5) feet in a bag accessible to children. In Space 6, Aquaphor was stored in a child's diaper bag in a cubby less than five (5) feet. In Space 3, a light stick was stored in the emergency bag accessible to children. .2820(b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 2 and 11 emergency medication was not in original box with prescription label. .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Spaces 4 and 5 emergency medication did not have permission to administer form signed by the parent. In Spaces 10 and 11, the permission to administer medication was expired. In Space 12, Motrin for a child did not have permission to administer form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 10, Zyrtec dated 10/2024 had not been discarded. .0803(12) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 7, soiled clothes were stored in a plastic bag in a child's diaper bag in a cubby accessible to children. In Space 3, small beads were stored in a child's backpack in a cubby accessible to children and plastic baggies were observed in the emergency bag. In Space 2, a target bag was observed lower than five (5) feet on the ledge in the diapering area. .0604(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member hired 8/1/2016 has a medical statement on file dated 5/12/2003. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Three (3) staff members did not have an annual current HQ on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) employee did not have a current annual Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 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. One (1) employee ITS-SIDS certification expired 1/22/2025. .1102(f) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 9/21/2020 did not have a medical assessment on file until 1/4/2021. GS110-91(1) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One child(1) did not have a signed policy on file. .0608(b) Compliance Statement: 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 March 24, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Please review the following rules regarding safety in Child Care Centers: 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (f)Electrical cords shall not be accessible to infants and toddlers. Extension cords, except as approved by the local fire inspector, shall not be used. Frayed or cracked electrical cords shall be replaced. (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. We discussed that you have completed the Moodle Training for ABCMS and are working on the roster. You will provide the code for your staff and have the staff add themselves to the roster. ABCMS (Criminal Background System): North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators 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. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 in 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/10/2025 Number Present: 103 Completed Date: 3/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 04:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the Annual Compliance Visit and Administrative Action follow-up visit. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 27, 2024. The facility operates with a GS 110-106 license. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 84%. The last Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 20, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 10, 2025, and Grace Life Church Inc is listed as current-active. Upon arrival I was greeted by Bobbi Whitehead, Director, and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator. I stated the purpose for the visit and discussed items to be monitored. The Written Reprimand dated November 7, 2024 and the Written Warning date November 27, 2024 were prominently posted. Before the walkthrough, we reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and stipulations. All stipulations have been met except for Stipulation 2. Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: Causes of Misbehavior: Why do they act that way? within one (1) week of the WW received. This training was conducted on January 28, 2025. One staff member was not able to attend this training due to a medical leave of absence to care for a terminally ill parent. The staff member returned to work today. This stipulation is not met. Ms. Whitehead contacted Jennifer Kappas regarding a virtual training date for this teacher to complete the training prior to her return. Ms. Kappas provided a trainer’s contact information and Ms. Whitehead was told to make contact to schedule the staff member upon her return. Ms. Whitehead will email me with the training date and then the completed training certificate once the staff completes the requirement. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Whitehead. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal are routines, and preparing for rest time. Each group was observed in approved/adequate space. Permit restrictions were met. I observed caregivers use nurturing and caring tones. Each classroom was monitored today. I observed children engaged in feeding routines, tummy time, personal care routines, sleep, free play, activity centers, transitions and teacher directed activities. I observed teachers on the floor with the children transitioning children to sleep. Throughout the facility, material and equipment in each classroom were found in good repair and developmentally appropriate for the age range. In the infant room and toddler room feeding schedules were posted and met compliance for children enrolled under 15 months. I observed the safe sleep sign posted and reminder Ms. Whitehead that the Safe Sleep Policy for the center also needed to be posted. I reviewed several safe sleep check sheets for today and the week of March 3, 2025 and found them in compliance. I observed bottles labeled and dated. I monitored each room for safe indoor environment and general safety. Please see violations section for details. In a room serving infants I observed electrical cords from two swings, Aquaphor in a diaper bag in a low cubby, plastic wrapped pampers in an unlocked storage closet, soiled clothes in a bag in a diaper bag located in a low cubby. Baggies were observed in emergency bags stored lower than five (5) feet. In a space serving toddlers and twos, a broken beaded necklace was in a backpack in a child’s cubby accessible to children. I monitored all emergency medications and diaper creams today. Please see violations section for details. Due to onset of inclement weather, I was unable to monitor the outdoor play area. Program Records were reviewed. The emergency drill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted February 19, 2025. The last fire drill was conducted on February 28, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 31, 2024, and the last fire inspection was conducted November 25, 2024, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The EPR is dated April 24, 2024, and the ready-to-go file was monitored and found in compliance. The center provides transportation and was in compliance with all requirements. Twelve (12) children’s files were selected, reviewed and two (2) violations were cited The staff and training worksheet was used to review staff files. Three (3) new staff files were reviewed, and ten (10) percent of veteran staff files were reviewed. Violations were cited. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. In Space 6, electrical cords to two (2) swings were accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 5, emergency medication was stored lower than five (5) feet in a bag accessible to children. In Space 6, Aquaphor was stored in a child's diaper bag in a cubby less than five (5) feet. In Space 3, a light stick was stored in the emergency bag accessible to children. .2820(b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 2 and 11 emergency medication was not in original box with prescription label. .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Spaces 4 and 5 emergency medication did not have permission to administer form signed by the parent. In Spaces 10 and 11, the permission to administer medication was expired. In Space 12, Motrin for a child did not have permission to administer form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 10, Zyrtec dated 10/2024 had not been discarded. .0803(12) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space 7, soiled clothes were stored in a plastic bag in a child's diaper bag in a cubby accessible to children. In Space 3, small beads were stored in a child's backpack in a cubby accessible to children and plastic baggies were observed in the emergency bag. In Space 2, a target bag was observed lower than five (5) feet on the ledge in the diapering area. .0604(q) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member hired 8/1/2016 has a medical statement on file dated 5/12/2003. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. Three (3) staff members did not have an annual current HQ on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) employee did not have a current annual Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 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. One (1) employee ITS-SIDS certification expired 1/22/2025. .1102(f) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled 9/21/2020 did not have a medical assessment on file until 1/4/2021. GS110-91(1) 1871 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with parents of currently enrolled children 0-5 within 30 days of adopting the policy. One child(1) did not have a signed policy on file. .0608(b) Compliance Statement: 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 March 24, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Please review the following rules regarding medications in Child Care facilities: 10A NCAC 09 .0803 ADMINISTERING MEDICATION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS We discussed checking all medications and logging them on a spreadsheet to monitor compliance. Please review the following rules regarding safety in Child Care Centers: 10A NCAC 09 .0604 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (f)Electrical cords shall not be accessible to infants and toddlers. Extension cords, except as approved by the local fire inspector, shall not be used. Frayed or cracked electrical cords shall be replaced. (q) Plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. However, styrofoam plates and larger pieces of foam rubber may be used for supervised art activities and styrofoam plates may be used for food service. Jump ropes and rubber bands shall not be accessible to children under five years of age without adult supervision. Balloons shall be prohibited for children of all ages. Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. We discussed that you have completed the Moodle Training for ABCMS and are working on the roster. You will provide the code for your staff and have the staff add themselves to the roster. ABCMS (Criminal Background System): North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators 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. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 in 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/3/2025 Number Present: 96 Completed Date: 2/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 151 Time In: 10:39 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM 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. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 27, 2024. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 82%. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, assisted me with today’s visit. I stated the reason for the visit. We reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and the technical assistance included in the comments section of the visit summary. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Whitehead. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal routines, and preparing for rest time. The following items were monitored today: supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR, First Aid, special training, storage of hazardous substances, storage of medication, adequate/approved space, staff records, program records, license posted, permit restrictions and posted Administrative Action (AA) and cover letter. There has been three new staff members hired since the routine unannounced visit conducted on September 3, 2024. The file for the new staff member was monitored and the staff and training worksheets were reviewed to confirm existing staff have current criminal background qualifying letters, First Aid training, CPR training, ITS-SIDS training. One teacher, K. Richi, has an expired CBC qualifying letter dated 12/2/2024. The emergency dill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted on December 30, 2024. The last fire drill was conducted on January 3, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 31, 2024 and the last fire inspection was conducted November 25, 2024. The AA was posted as required on the program bulletin board at the entrance of the facility. The AA was received Monday, December 30, 2024. I conducted a phone review of the Written Warning (WW) with Ms. Whitehead Monday, December 30, 2025. The following stipulations and corrective action were reviewed: Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: Causes of Misbehavior: Why do they act that way? within one (1) week of the WW received. This training was scheduled for January 21, 2025, initially however due to inclement weather the training was conducted January 28, 2025. I reviewed the agenda for the training and attendance roster on February 3, 2025. One staff member was not able to attend this training. This stipulation is not met. Ms. Whitehead will contact Jennifer Kappas to determine a date for this teacher to complete the training and will email me the date. Stipulation #3 requires the Director to develop a written plan for routine observations and evaluations of each staff member to ensure compliance with child care requirements and facility policies/procedures regarding discipline. Documentation of the observations shall include the date, time, and location of each observation, the name and signature of the person(s) observed, the signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, the observer’s feedback/guidance to the staff members, and the staff member’s response within two (2) weeks. The plan was submitted to me and approved January 3, 2025. Requirements for this stipulation have been met. Stipulation # 4 required Ms. Whitehead to conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the plan related to routine observations and evaluations of each staff member. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time, and length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. The staff meeting was conducted on January 7, 2025. Ms. Whitehead emailed the agenda and staff attendance signature page January 8, 2025. Requirements for this stipulation have been met. There was one (1) violation cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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). One staff member, K. Richi did not have a current CBC letter on file. The letter expired 12/6/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member, K. Richi did not have a current CBC letter on file. The letter expired 12/6/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Compliance Statement: 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 17, 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. Please email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Reminders: Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. I will check my contact information to ensure that you are receiving my emails. CBC Provider Portal Requirements: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 in 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/3/2025 Number Present: 96 Completed Date: 2/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 151 Time In: 10:39 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM 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. A Written Warning (WW) was issued by DCDEE to this facility on November 27, 2024. The compliance history prior to today’s visit is 82%. Bobbi Whitehead, Director, and Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator, assisted me with today’s visit. I stated the reason for the visit. We reviewed and discussed the Written Warning and the technical assistance included in the comments section of the visit summary. A walk-through of the facility was conducted with Ms. Whitehead. Children were observed engaged in free choice of indoor activities, lunch, transitions, personal care routines and outdoor play. Staff were observed supervising and interacting with children during activities, assisting children with personal routines, and preparing for rest time. The following items were monitored today: supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR, First Aid, special training, storage of hazardous substances, storage of medication, adequate/approved space, staff records, program records, license posted, permit restrictions and posted Administrative Action (AA) and cover letter. There has been three new staff members hired since the routine unannounced visit conducted on September 3, 2024. The file for the new staff member was monitored and the staff and training worksheets were reviewed to confirm existing staff have current criminal background qualifying letters, First Aid training, CPR training, ITS-SIDS training. One teacher, K. Richi, has an expired CBC qualifying letter dated 12/2/2024. The emergency dill log, incident log and playground safety checks were monitored today and found in compliance. A shelter-in-place drill was conducted on December 30, 2024. The last fire drill was conducted on January 3, 2025. The last sanitation was on December 31, 2024 and the last fire inspection was conducted November 25, 2024. The AA was posted as required on the program bulletin board at the entrance of the facility. The AA was received Monday, December 30, 2024. I conducted a phone review of the Written Warning (WW) with Ms. Whitehead Monday, December 30, 2025. The following stipulations and corrective action were reviewed: Stipulation #2 of the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) required the facility to arrange the following training through Child Care Resources, Inc: Causes of Misbehavior: Why do they act that way? within one (1) week of the WW received. This training was scheduled for January 21, 2025, initially however due to inclement weather the training was conducted January 28, 2025. I reviewed the agenda for the training and attendance roster on February 3, 2025. One staff member was not able to attend this training. This stipulation is not met. Ms. Whitehead will contact Jennifer Kappas to determine a date for this teacher to complete the training and will email me the date. Stipulation #3 requires the Director to develop a written plan for routine observations and evaluations of each staff member to ensure compliance with child care requirements and facility policies/procedures regarding discipline. Documentation of the observations shall include the date, time, and location of each observation, the name and signature of the person(s) observed, the signature of the observer, a summary of each observation, the observer’s feedback/guidance to the staff members, and the staff member’s response within two (2) weeks. The plan was submitted to me and approved January 3, 2025. Requirements for this stipulation have been met. Stipulation # 4 required Ms. Whitehead to conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the plan related to routine observations and evaluations of each staff member. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time, and length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. The staff meeting was conducted on January 7, 2025. Ms. Whitehead emailed the agenda and staff attendance signature page January 8, 2025. Requirements for this stipulation have been met. There was one (1) violation cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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). One staff member, K. Richi did not have a current CBC letter on file. The letter expired 12/6/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member, K. Richi did not have a current CBC letter on file. The letter expired 12/6/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Compliance Statement: 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 17, 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. Please email the information to: Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: Reminders: Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety training free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. I will check my contact information to ensure that you are receiving my emails. CBC Provider Portal Requirements: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 in 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 (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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 .0501 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-173L Visit Date: 10/24/2024 Number Present: 99 Completed Date: 10/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 10:35 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. Ms. Michele Sullivan, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me today. The compliance history was 78% prior to today’s visit. Supervision, capacity, adequate/approved space and general license requirements were monitored during today’s visit. Upon arrival we were greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator and Bobbi Whitehead, Director. I explained the purpose of our visit. We went to a conference room to discuss the allegations. Allegations: There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. There is a concern that staff were handling children in a rough manner. We interviewed Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar. Ms. Whitehead stated that she was aware of a parent of a child reporting an eye injury. She stated the incident involved a child of a staff member who had returned to work recently. The parent came to Ms. Lamar to report the eye injury. Staff members had not reported an incident involving the child. Ms. Lamar and Ms. Whitehead stated they spoke with staff members and were told that they had not seen an incident or observed the child crying during the day. Ms. Lamar stated she watched all camera footage from the day including outdoor play and lunch and did not observe the child injured. She stated that at times it is difficult to see all of the play area on the camera footage. Ms. Whitehead stated she had reviewed the footage as well and did not observe the child injured. An incident report was not completed. We reviewed the staff and parent policies regarding supervision and reporting injuries. We were given a photo of the eye injury and observed a small red and slightly bruised area near the corner of the child’s right eye. We asked Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar to describe their policies and procedures for reporting incidents. Both stated that teachers notify administrators, complete incident reports and notify parents. We reviewed the allegation regarding the aggressive placement of children on cots. Ms. Lamar and Ms. Whitehead have not been aware of rough handling of children at nap time and stated staff are trained and understand the discipline policy. Ms. Lamar stated staff are encouraged to report any unsafe or inappropriate interactions with children. We reviewed the discipline policy for staff and parents. We interviewed four (4) teachers and one (1) support staff regarding the allegations. The staff reported that supervision is maintained adequately and that teachers work together to maintain ratio and monitor children closely. One (1) staff member did state that she has observed a teacher placing a child on the cot aggressively. During today’s visit we walked through the center and visited each classroom. We observed toddlers and two-year-olds in the cafeteria eating lunch. The staff maintained adequate supervision while assisting the children during mealtime. In the rooms serving infants we observed meals, routines and infants engaged in tummy time on the floor. Infants were observed sleeping in and staff interactions were nurturing and caring. We observed the three- and four-year-old children playing on the playground using stationary equipment and interacting in active play. A temporary mesh fence was observed surrounding a sandbox that is not in use. Ms. Whitehead shared with us that the area is under construction and being redesigned. We advised her to monitor the fencing regularly to ensure compliance with entrapment safety requirements. During all of the staff and administrative interviews we asked about the center’s policy on injuries and appropriate interactions with children. Staff is aware of the procedures for reporting injuries. It was explained that administrators are notified when injuries occur, and first aid is provided if needed. It was explained that parents are notified, and incident reports are created for any observed injury. One staff member inquired about appropriate interactions in assisting toddlers and two year old children with going down for rest and then staying on their cots at rest tine. I shared the rules and have included the rules in the Technical Assistance section of this document. Findings: Based on interviews and observations it was determined that the concerns that children are not being adequately supervised is unsubstantiated. Based on interviews it was determined children have been supervised adequately at all times. An incident report was started but not completed to include first aid provided or the time the injury was observed. Based on an interview with a staff member that there is handling of children in a rough manner by placing children on their cots aggressively during naptime was substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. An incident report was started but did not include first aid information and time the injury was observed. .0802 (e) 904 Child was handled roughly. Per teacher interview, one teacher reported that she observed that a staff member placed a child on the cot in a rough manner. .1803(a)(1) Compliance Statement: 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. A follow up visit will be conducted within two weeks to verify compliance. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: We discussed and encourage you to review the following rules with your staff: SECTION .1800 - STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. All of the conditions in this Paragraph shall apply except when emergencies necessitate that adequate supervision is impossible. Documentation of emergencies shall be maintained and available for review by Division representatives upon request. (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. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(7); 143B-168.3; Eff. October 1, 2017. 10A NCAC 09 .1802 STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS Staff shall interact with children in positive ways by helping them feel welcome and comfortable, treating them with respect, listening to what they say, responding to them with acceptance and appreciation, and participating in activities with the children. For example, staff shall: (1) make eye contact when speaking to a child; (2) engage children in conversation to share experiences, ideas, and opinions; (3) help children develop problem-solving skills; and (4) facilitate learning by providing positive reinforcement, encouraging efforts, and recognizing accomplishments. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(8),(11); 143B-168.3; Effective January 1, 2024 75 Eff. July 1, 2010; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017 (Transferred from 10A NCAC 09 .0501). 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (1) no child shall be handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking; (2) no child shall be placed in a locked room, closet, or box or be left alone in a room separated from staff; (3) no discipline shall be delegated to another child; (4) no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward; (5) no child shall be disciplined for toileting accidents; (6) no child shall be disciplined for not sleeping during rest period; (7) no child shall be disciplined by assigning chores that require contact with or use of hazardous materials, such as cleaning bathrooms, floors, or emptying diaper pails; (8) physical activity, such as running laps and doing push-ups, shall not be withheld as punishment or required as punishment; (9) no child shall be yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened, or bullied; and (10) no child shall be restrained as a form of discipline unless the child's safety or the safety of others is at risk. For purposes of this Rule, "restraining" shall mean that a caregiver physically holds a child in a manner that restricts the child's movement, for a minimum amount of time necessary to ensure a safe environment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Rule, no child shall be restrained through the use of heavy objects, including a caregiver's body, or any device such as straps, blankets, car seats, or cribs. (b) Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. We discussed that incident reports should be completed at the time an injury is reported with the information you have regarding the incident and first aid administered. Please review the requirements in Chapter 9 0802 (e) of Rules and Regulations for Child Care Centers. We discussed the Parent’s Night Out Event. Ms. Whitehead explained it is operated by the church and not part of the licensed facility. The children enrolled in the program attending the event will be signed out by the parent and brought back to the event. The license for the facility is adequate and will not require change if Parent Night Out is completely operated by the church. We discussed regular monitoring of the temporary fence mesh to monitor the area regularly to ensure compliance with entrapment safety requirements Reminders: Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety trainings free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .1801 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-173L Visit Date: 10/24/2024 Number Present: 99 Completed Date: 10/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 10:35 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. Ms. Michele Sullivan, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me today. The compliance history was 78% prior to today’s visit. Supervision, capacity, adequate/approved space and general license requirements were monitored during today’s visit. Upon arrival we were greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator and Bobbi Whitehead, Director. I explained the purpose of our visit. We went to a conference room to discuss the allegations. Allegations: There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. There is a concern that staff were handling children in a rough manner. We interviewed Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar. Ms. Whitehead stated that she was aware of a parent of a child reporting an eye injury. She stated the incident involved a child of a staff member who had returned to work recently. The parent came to Ms. Lamar to report the eye injury. Staff members had not reported an incident involving the child. Ms. Lamar and Ms. Whitehead stated they spoke with staff members and were told that they had not seen an incident or observed the child crying during the day. Ms. Lamar stated she watched all camera footage from the day including outdoor play and lunch and did not observe the child injured. She stated that at times it is difficult to see all of the play area on the camera footage. Ms. Whitehead stated she had reviewed the footage as well and did not observe the child injured. An incident report was not completed. We reviewed the staff and parent policies regarding supervision and reporting injuries. We were given a photo of the eye injury and observed a small red and slightly bruised area near the corner of the child’s right eye. We asked Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar to describe their policies and procedures for reporting incidents. Both stated that teachers notify administrators, complete incident reports and notify parents. We reviewed the allegation regarding the aggressive placement of children on cots. Ms. Lamar and Ms. Whitehead have not been aware of rough handling of children at nap time and stated staff are trained and understand the discipline policy. Ms. Lamar stated staff are encouraged to report any unsafe or inappropriate interactions with children. We reviewed the discipline policy for staff and parents. We interviewed four (4) teachers and one (1) support staff regarding the allegations. The staff reported that supervision is maintained adequately and that teachers work together to maintain ratio and monitor children closely. One (1) staff member did state that she has observed a teacher placing a child on the cot aggressively. During today’s visit we walked through the center and visited each classroom. We observed toddlers and two-year-olds in the cafeteria eating lunch. The staff maintained adequate supervision while assisting the children during mealtime. In the rooms serving infants we observed meals, routines and infants engaged in tummy time on the floor. Infants were observed sleeping in and staff interactions were nurturing and caring. We observed the three- and four-year-old children playing on the playground using stationary equipment and interacting in active play. A temporary mesh fence was observed surrounding a sandbox that is not in use. Ms. Whitehead shared with us that the area is under construction and being redesigned. We advised her to monitor the fencing regularly to ensure compliance with entrapment safety requirements. During all of the staff and administrative interviews we asked about the center’s policy on injuries and appropriate interactions with children. Staff is aware of the procedures for reporting injuries. It was explained that administrators are notified when injuries occur, and first aid is provided if needed. It was explained that parents are notified, and incident reports are created for any observed injury. One staff member inquired about appropriate interactions in assisting toddlers and two year old children with going down for rest and then staying on their cots at rest tine. I shared the rules and have included the rules in the Technical Assistance section of this document. Findings: Based on interviews and observations it was determined that the concerns that children are not being adequately supervised is unsubstantiated. Based on interviews it was determined children have been supervised adequately at all times. An incident report was started but not completed to include first aid provided or the time the injury was observed. Based on an interview with a staff member that there is handling of children in a rough manner by placing children on their cots aggressively during naptime was substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. An incident report was started but did not include first aid information and time the injury was observed. .0802 (e) 904 Child was handled roughly. Per teacher interview, one teacher reported that she observed that a staff member placed a child on the cot in a rough manner. .1803(a)(1) Compliance Statement: 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. A follow up visit will be conducted within two weeks to verify compliance. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: We discussed and encourage you to review the following rules with your staff: SECTION .1800 - STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. All of the conditions in this Paragraph shall apply except when emergencies necessitate that adequate supervision is impossible. Documentation of emergencies shall be maintained and available for review by Division representatives upon request. (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. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(7); 143B-168.3; Eff. October 1, 2017. 10A NCAC 09 .1802 STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS Staff shall interact with children in positive ways by helping them feel welcome and comfortable, treating them with respect, listening to what they say, responding to them with acceptance and appreciation, and participating in activities with the children. For example, staff shall: (1) make eye contact when speaking to a child; (2) engage children in conversation to share experiences, ideas, and opinions; (3) help children develop problem-solving skills; and (4) facilitate learning by providing positive reinforcement, encouraging efforts, and recognizing accomplishments. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(8),(11); 143B-168.3; Effective January 1, 2024 75 Eff. July 1, 2010; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017 (Transferred from 10A NCAC 09 .0501). 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (1) no child shall be handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking; (2) no child shall be placed in a locked room, closet, or box or be left alone in a room separated from staff; (3) no discipline shall be delegated to another child; (4) no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward; (5) no child shall be disciplined for toileting accidents; (6) no child shall be disciplined for not sleeping during rest period; (7) no child shall be disciplined by assigning chores that require contact with or use of hazardous materials, such as cleaning bathrooms, floors, or emptying diaper pails; (8) physical activity, such as running laps and doing push-ups, shall not be withheld as punishment or required as punishment; (9) no child shall be yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened, or bullied; and (10) no child shall be restrained as a form of discipline unless the child's safety or the safety of others is at risk. For purposes of this Rule, "restraining" shall mean that a caregiver physically holds a child in a manner that restricts the child's movement, for a minimum amount of time necessary to ensure a safe environment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Rule, no child shall be restrained through the use of heavy objects, including a caregiver's body, or any device such as straps, blankets, car seats, or cribs. (b) Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. We discussed that incident reports should be completed at the time an injury is reported with the information you have regarding the incident and first aid administered. Please review the requirements in Chapter 9 0802 (e) of Rules and Regulations for Child Care Centers. We discussed the Parent’s Night Out Event. Ms. Whitehead explained it is operated by the church and not part of the licensed facility. The children enrolled in the program attending the event will be signed out by the parent and brought back to the event. The license for the facility is adequate and will not require change if Parent Night Out is completely operated by the church. We discussed regular monitoring of the temporary fence mesh to monitor the area regularly to ensure compliance with entrapment safety requirements Reminders: Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety trainings free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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 .1802 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-173L Visit Date: 10/24/2024 Number Present: 99 Completed Date: 10/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 10:35 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. Ms. Michele Sullivan, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me today. The compliance history was 78% prior to today’s visit. Supervision, capacity, adequate/approved space and general license requirements were monitored during today’s visit. Upon arrival we were greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator and Bobbi Whitehead, Director. I explained the purpose of our visit. We went to a conference room to discuss the allegations. Allegations: There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. There is a concern that staff were handling children in a rough manner. We interviewed Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar. Ms. Whitehead stated that she was aware of a parent of a child reporting an eye injury. She stated the incident involved a child of a staff member who had returned to work recently. The parent came to Ms. Lamar to report the eye injury. Staff members had not reported an incident involving the child. Ms. Lamar and Ms. Whitehead stated they spoke with staff members and were told that they had not seen an incident or observed the child crying during the day. Ms. Lamar stated she watched all camera footage from the day including outdoor play and lunch and did not observe the child injured. She stated that at times it is difficult to see all of the play area on the camera footage. Ms. Whitehead stated she had reviewed the footage as well and did not observe the child injured. An incident report was not completed. We reviewed the staff and parent policies regarding supervision and reporting injuries. We were given a photo of the eye injury and observed a small red and slightly bruised area near the corner of the child’s right eye. We asked Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar to describe their policies and procedures for reporting incidents. Both stated that teachers notify administrators, complete incident reports and notify parents. We reviewed the allegation regarding the aggressive placement of children on cots. Ms. Lamar and Ms. Whitehead have not been aware of rough handling of children at nap time and stated staff are trained and understand the discipline policy. Ms. Lamar stated staff are encouraged to report any unsafe or inappropriate interactions with children. We reviewed the discipline policy for staff and parents. We interviewed four (4) teachers and one (1) support staff regarding the allegations. The staff reported that supervision is maintained adequately and that teachers work together to maintain ratio and monitor children closely. One (1) staff member did state that she has observed a teacher placing a child on the cot aggressively. During today’s visit we walked through the center and visited each classroom. We observed toddlers and two-year-olds in the cafeteria eating lunch. The staff maintained adequate supervision while assisting the children during mealtime. In the rooms serving infants we observed meals, routines and infants engaged in tummy time on the floor. Infants were observed sleeping in and staff interactions were nurturing and caring. We observed the three- and four-year-old children playing on the playground using stationary equipment and interacting in active play. A temporary mesh fence was observed surrounding a sandbox that is not in use. Ms. Whitehead shared with us that the area is under construction and being redesigned. We advised her to monitor the fencing regularly to ensure compliance with entrapment safety requirements. During all of the staff and administrative interviews we asked about the center’s policy on injuries and appropriate interactions with children. Staff is aware of the procedures for reporting injuries. It was explained that administrators are notified when injuries occur, and first aid is provided if needed. It was explained that parents are notified, and incident reports are created for any observed injury. One staff member inquired about appropriate interactions in assisting toddlers and two year old children with going down for rest and then staying on their cots at rest tine. I shared the rules and have included the rules in the Technical Assistance section of this document. Findings: Based on interviews and observations it was determined that the concerns that children are not being adequately supervised is unsubstantiated. Based on interviews it was determined children have been supervised adequately at all times. An incident report was started but not completed to include first aid provided or the time the injury was observed. Based on an interview with a staff member that there is handling of children in a rough manner by placing children on their cots aggressively during naptime was substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. An incident report was started but did not include first aid information and time the injury was observed. .0802 (e) 904 Child was handled roughly. Per teacher interview, one teacher reported that she observed that a staff member placed a child on the cot in a rough manner. .1803(a)(1) Compliance Statement: 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. A follow up visit will be conducted within two weeks to verify compliance. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: We discussed and encourage you to review the following rules with your staff: SECTION .1800 - STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. All of the conditions in this Paragraph shall apply except when emergencies necessitate that adequate supervision is impossible. Documentation of emergencies shall be maintained and available for review by Division representatives upon request. (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. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(7); 143B-168.3; Eff. October 1, 2017. 10A NCAC 09 .1802 STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS Staff shall interact with children in positive ways by helping them feel welcome and comfortable, treating them with respect, listening to what they say, responding to them with acceptance and appreciation, and participating in activities with the children. For example, staff shall: (1) make eye contact when speaking to a child; (2) engage children in conversation to share experiences, ideas, and opinions; (3) help children develop problem-solving skills; and (4) facilitate learning by providing positive reinforcement, encouraging efforts, and recognizing accomplishments. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(8),(11); 143B-168.3; Effective January 1, 2024 75 Eff. July 1, 2010; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017 (Transferred from 10A NCAC 09 .0501). 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (1) no child shall be handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking; (2) no child shall be placed in a locked room, closet, or box or be left alone in a room separated from staff; (3) no discipline shall be delegated to another child; (4) no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward; (5) no child shall be disciplined for toileting accidents; (6) no child shall be disciplined for not sleeping during rest period; (7) no child shall be disciplined by assigning chores that require contact with or use of hazardous materials, such as cleaning bathrooms, floors, or emptying diaper pails; (8) physical activity, such as running laps and doing push-ups, shall not be withheld as punishment or required as punishment; (9) no child shall be yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened, or bullied; and (10) no child shall be restrained as a form of discipline unless the child's safety or the safety of others is at risk. For purposes of this Rule, "restraining" shall mean that a caregiver physically holds a child in a manner that restricts the child's movement, for a minimum amount of time necessary to ensure a safe environment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Rule, no child shall be restrained through the use of heavy objects, including a caregiver's body, or any device such as straps, blankets, car seats, or cribs. (b) Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. We discussed that incident reports should be completed at the time an injury is reported with the information you have regarding the incident and first aid administered. Please review the requirements in Chapter 9 0802 (e) of Rules and Regulations for Child Care Centers. We discussed the Parent’s Night Out Event. Ms. Whitehead explained it is operated by the church and not part of the licensed facility. The children enrolled in the program attending the event will be signed out by the parent and brought back to the event. The license for the facility is adequate and will not require change if Parent Night Out is completely operated by the church. We discussed regular monitoring of the temporary fence mesh to monitor the area regularly to ensure compliance with entrapment safety requirements Reminders: Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety trainings free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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 .1803 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-173L Visit Date: 10/24/2024 Number Present: 99 Completed Date: 10/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 10:35 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. Ms. Michele Sullivan, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me today. The compliance history was 78% prior to today’s visit. Supervision, capacity, adequate/approved space and general license requirements were monitored during today’s visit. Upon arrival we were greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator and Bobbi Whitehead, Director. I explained the purpose of our visit. We went to a conference room to discuss the allegations. Allegations: There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. There is a concern that staff were handling children in a rough manner. We interviewed Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar. Ms. Whitehead stated that she was aware of a parent of a child reporting an eye injury. She stated the incident involved a child of a staff member who had returned to work recently. The parent came to Ms. Lamar to report the eye injury. Staff members had not reported an incident involving the child. Ms. Lamar and Ms. Whitehead stated they spoke with staff members and were told that they had not seen an incident or observed the child crying during the day. Ms. Lamar stated she watched all camera footage from the day including outdoor play and lunch and did not observe the child injured. She stated that at times it is difficult to see all of the play area on the camera footage. Ms. Whitehead stated she had reviewed the footage as well and did not observe the child injured. An incident report was not completed. We reviewed the staff and parent policies regarding supervision and reporting injuries. We were given a photo of the eye injury and observed a small red and slightly bruised area near the corner of the child’s right eye. We asked Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar to describe their policies and procedures for reporting incidents. Both stated that teachers notify administrators, complete incident reports and notify parents. We reviewed the allegation regarding the aggressive placement of children on cots. Ms. Lamar and Ms. Whitehead have not been aware of rough handling of children at nap time and stated staff are trained and understand the discipline policy. Ms. Lamar stated staff are encouraged to report any unsafe or inappropriate interactions with children. We reviewed the discipline policy for staff and parents. We interviewed four (4) teachers and one (1) support staff regarding the allegations. The staff reported that supervision is maintained adequately and that teachers work together to maintain ratio and monitor children closely. One (1) staff member did state that she has observed a teacher placing a child on the cot aggressively. During today’s visit we walked through the center and visited each classroom. We observed toddlers and two-year-olds in the cafeteria eating lunch. The staff maintained adequate supervision while assisting the children during mealtime. In the rooms serving infants we observed meals, routines and infants engaged in tummy time on the floor. Infants were observed sleeping in and staff interactions were nurturing and caring. We observed the three- and four-year-old children playing on the playground using stationary equipment and interacting in active play. A temporary mesh fence was observed surrounding a sandbox that is not in use. Ms. Whitehead shared with us that the area is under construction and being redesigned. We advised her to monitor the fencing regularly to ensure compliance with entrapment safety requirements. During all of the staff and administrative interviews we asked about the center’s policy on injuries and appropriate interactions with children. Staff is aware of the procedures for reporting injuries. It was explained that administrators are notified when injuries occur, and first aid is provided if needed. It was explained that parents are notified, and incident reports are created for any observed injury. One staff member inquired about appropriate interactions in assisting toddlers and two year old children with going down for rest and then staying on their cots at rest tine. I shared the rules and have included the rules in the Technical Assistance section of this document. Findings: Based on interviews and observations it was determined that the concerns that children are not being adequately supervised is unsubstantiated. Based on interviews it was determined children have been supervised adequately at all times. An incident report was started but not completed to include first aid provided or the time the injury was observed. Based on an interview with a staff member that there is handling of children in a rough manner by placing children on their cots aggressively during naptime was substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. An incident report was started but did not include first aid information and time the injury was observed. .0802 (e) 904 Child was handled roughly. Per teacher interview, one teacher reported that she observed that a staff member placed a child on the cot in a rough manner. .1803(a)(1) Compliance Statement: 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. A follow up visit will be conducted within two weeks to verify compliance. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: We discussed and encourage you to review the following rules with your staff: SECTION .1800 - STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. All of the conditions in this Paragraph shall apply except when emergencies necessitate that adequate supervision is impossible. Documentation of emergencies shall be maintained and available for review by Division representatives upon request. (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. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(7); 143B-168.3; Eff. October 1, 2017. 10A NCAC 09 .1802 STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS Staff shall interact with children in positive ways by helping them feel welcome and comfortable, treating them with respect, listening to what they say, responding to them with acceptance and appreciation, and participating in activities with the children. For example, staff shall: (1) make eye contact when speaking to a child; (2) engage children in conversation to share experiences, ideas, and opinions; (3) help children develop problem-solving skills; and (4) facilitate learning by providing positive reinforcement, encouraging efforts, and recognizing accomplishments. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(8),(11); 143B-168.3; Effective January 1, 2024 75 Eff. July 1, 2010; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017 (Transferred from 10A NCAC 09 .0501). 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (1) no child shall be handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking; (2) no child shall be placed in a locked room, closet, or box or be left alone in a room separated from staff; (3) no discipline shall be delegated to another child; (4) no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward; (5) no child shall be disciplined for toileting accidents; (6) no child shall be disciplined for not sleeping during rest period; (7) no child shall be disciplined by assigning chores that require contact with or use of hazardous materials, such as cleaning bathrooms, floors, or emptying diaper pails; (8) physical activity, such as running laps and doing push-ups, shall not be withheld as punishment or required as punishment; (9) no child shall be yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened, or bullied; and (10) no child shall be restrained as a form of discipline unless the child's safety or the safety of others is at risk. For purposes of this Rule, "restraining" shall mean that a caregiver physically holds a child in a manner that restricts the child's movement, for a minimum amount of time necessary to ensure a safe environment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Rule, no child shall be restrained through the use of heavy objects, including a caregiver's body, or any device such as straps, blankets, car seats, or cribs. (b) Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. We discussed that incident reports should be completed at the time an injury is reported with the information you have regarding the incident and first aid administered. Please review the requirements in Chapter 9 0802 (e) of Rules and Regulations for Child Care Centers. We discussed the Parent’s Night Out Event. Ms. Whitehead explained it is operated by the church and not part of the licensed facility. The children enrolled in the program attending the event will be signed out by the parent and brought back to the event. The license for the facility is adequate and will not require change if Parent Night Out is completely operated by the church. We discussed regular monitoring of the temporary fence mesh to monitor the area regularly to ensure compliance with entrapment safety requirements Reminders: Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety trainings free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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. 110-85 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-173L Visit Date: 10/24/2024 Number Present: 99 Completed Date: 10/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 10:35 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. Ms. Michele Sullivan, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me today. The compliance history was 78% prior to today’s visit. Supervision, capacity, adequate/approved space and general license requirements were monitored during today’s visit. Upon arrival we were greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator and Bobbi Whitehead, Director. I explained the purpose of our visit. We went to a conference room to discuss the allegations. Allegations: There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. There is a concern that staff were handling children in a rough manner. We interviewed Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar. Ms. Whitehead stated that she was aware of a parent of a child reporting an eye injury. She stated the incident involved a child of a staff member who had returned to work recently. The parent came to Ms. Lamar to report the eye injury. Staff members had not reported an incident involving the child. Ms. Lamar and Ms. Whitehead stated they spoke with staff members and were told that they had not seen an incident or observed the child crying during the day. Ms. Lamar stated she watched all camera footage from the day including outdoor play and lunch and did not observe the child injured. She stated that at times it is difficult to see all of the play area on the camera footage. Ms. Whitehead stated she had reviewed the footage as well and did not observe the child injured. An incident report was not completed. We reviewed the staff and parent policies regarding supervision and reporting injuries. We were given a photo of the eye injury and observed a small red and slightly bruised area near the corner of the child’s right eye. We asked Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar to describe their policies and procedures for reporting incidents. Both stated that teachers notify administrators, complete incident reports and notify parents. We reviewed the allegation regarding the aggressive placement of children on cots. Ms. Lamar and Ms. Whitehead have not been aware of rough handling of children at nap time and stated staff are trained and understand the discipline policy. Ms. Lamar stated staff are encouraged to report any unsafe or inappropriate interactions with children. We reviewed the discipline policy for staff and parents. We interviewed four (4) teachers and one (1) support staff regarding the allegations. The staff reported that supervision is maintained adequately and that teachers work together to maintain ratio and monitor children closely. One (1) staff member did state that she has observed a teacher placing a child on the cot aggressively. During today’s visit we walked through the center and visited each classroom. We observed toddlers and two-year-olds in the cafeteria eating lunch. The staff maintained adequate supervision while assisting the children during mealtime. In the rooms serving infants we observed meals, routines and infants engaged in tummy time on the floor. Infants were observed sleeping in and staff interactions were nurturing and caring. We observed the three- and four-year-old children playing on the playground using stationary equipment and interacting in active play. A temporary mesh fence was observed surrounding a sandbox that is not in use. Ms. Whitehead shared with us that the area is under construction and being redesigned. We advised her to monitor the fencing regularly to ensure compliance with entrapment safety requirements. During all of the staff and administrative interviews we asked about the center’s policy on injuries and appropriate interactions with children. Staff is aware of the procedures for reporting injuries. It was explained that administrators are notified when injuries occur, and first aid is provided if needed. It was explained that parents are notified, and incident reports are created for any observed injury. One staff member inquired about appropriate interactions in assisting toddlers and two year old children with going down for rest and then staying on their cots at rest tine. I shared the rules and have included the rules in the Technical Assistance section of this document. Findings: Based on interviews and observations it was determined that the concerns that children are not being adequately supervised is unsubstantiated. Based on interviews it was determined children have been supervised adequately at all times. An incident report was started but not completed to include first aid provided or the time the injury was observed. Based on an interview with a staff member that there is handling of children in a rough manner by placing children on their cots aggressively during naptime was substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. An incident report was started but did not include first aid information and time the injury was observed. .0802 (e) 904 Child was handled roughly. Per teacher interview, one teacher reported that she observed that a staff member placed a child on the cot in a rough manner. .1803(a)(1) Compliance Statement: 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. A follow up visit will be conducted within two weeks to verify compliance. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: We discussed and encourage you to review the following rules with your staff: SECTION .1800 - STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. All of the conditions in this Paragraph shall apply except when emergencies necessitate that adequate supervision is impossible. Documentation of emergencies shall be maintained and available for review by Division representatives upon request. (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. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(7); 143B-168.3; Eff. October 1, 2017. 10A NCAC 09 .1802 STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS Staff shall interact with children in positive ways by helping them feel welcome and comfortable, treating them with respect, listening to what they say, responding to them with acceptance and appreciation, and participating in activities with the children. For example, staff shall: (1) make eye contact when speaking to a child; (2) engage children in conversation to share experiences, ideas, and opinions; (3) help children develop problem-solving skills; and (4) facilitate learning by providing positive reinforcement, encouraging efforts, and recognizing accomplishments. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(8),(11); 143B-168.3; Effective January 1, 2024 75 Eff. July 1, 2010; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017 (Transferred from 10A NCAC 09 .0501). 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (1) no child shall be handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking; (2) no child shall be placed in a locked room, closet, or box or be left alone in a room separated from staff; (3) no discipline shall be delegated to another child; (4) no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward; (5) no child shall be disciplined for toileting accidents; (6) no child shall be disciplined for not sleeping during rest period; (7) no child shall be disciplined by assigning chores that require contact with or use of hazardous materials, such as cleaning bathrooms, floors, or emptying diaper pails; (8) physical activity, such as running laps and doing push-ups, shall not be withheld as punishment or required as punishment; (9) no child shall be yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened, or bullied; and (10) no child shall be restrained as a form of discipline unless the child's safety or the safety of others is at risk. For purposes of this Rule, "restraining" shall mean that a caregiver physically holds a child in a manner that restricts the child's movement, for a minimum amount of time necessary to ensure a safe environment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Rule, no child shall be restrained through the use of heavy objects, including a caregiver's body, or any device such as straps, blankets, car seats, or cribs. (b) Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. We discussed that incident reports should be completed at the time an injury is reported with the information you have regarding the incident and first aid administered. Please review the requirements in Chapter 9 0802 (e) of Rules and Regulations for Child Care Centers. We discussed the Parent’s Night Out Event. Ms. Whitehead explained it is operated by the church and not part of the licensed facility. The children enrolled in the program attending the event will be signed out by the parent and brought back to the event. The license for the facility is adequate and will not require change if Parent Night Out is completely operated by the church. We discussed regular monitoring of the temporary fence mesh to monitor the area regularly to ensure compliance with entrapment safety requirements Reminders: Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety trainings free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-173L Visit Date: 10/24/2024 Number Present: 99 Completed Date: 10/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 10:35 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. Ms. Michele Sullivan, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me today. The compliance history was 78% prior to today’s visit. Supervision, capacity, adequate/approved space and general license requirements were monitored during today’s visit. Upon arrival we were greeted by Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator and Bobbi Whitehead, Director. I explained the purpose of our visit. We went to a conference room to discuss the allegations. Allegations: There are concerns that children are not being adequately supervised. There is a concern that staff were handling children in a rough manner. We interviewed Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar. Ms. Whitehead stated that she was aware of a parent of a child reporting an eye injury. She stated the incident involved a child of a staff member who had returned to work recently. The parent came to Ms. Lamar to report the eye injury. Staff members had not reported an incident involving the child. Ms. Lamar and Ms. Whitehead stated they spoke with staff members and were told that they had not seen an incident or observed the child crying during the day. Ms. Lamar stated she watched all camera footage from the day including outdoor play and lunch and did not observe the child injured. She stated that at times it is difficult to see all of the play area on the camera footage. Ms. Whitehead stated she had reviewed the footage as well and did not observe the child injured. An incident report was not completed. We reviewed the staff and parent policies regarding supervision and reporting injuries. We were given a photo of the eye injury and observed a small red and slightly bruised area near the corner of the child’s right eye. We asked Ms. Whitehead and Ms. Lamar to describe their policies and procedures for reporting incidents. Both stated that teachers notify administrators, complete incident reports and notify parents. We reviewed the allegation regarding the aggressive placement of children on cots. Ms. Lamar and Ms. Whitehead have not been aware of rough handling of children at nap time and stated staff are trained and understand the discipline policy. Ms. Lamar stated staff are encouraged to report any unsafe or inappropriate interactions with children. We reviewed the discipline policy for staff and parents. We interviewed four (4) teachers and one (1) support staff regarding the allegations. The staff reported that supervision is maintained adequately and that teachers work together to maintain ratio and monitor children closely. One (1) staff member did state that she has observed a teacher placing a child on the cot aggressively. During today’s visit we walked through the center and visited each classroom. We observed toddlers and two-year-olds in the cafeteria eating lunch. The staff maintained adequate supervision while assisting the children during mealtime. In the rooms serving infants we observed meals, routines and infants engaged in tummy time on the floor. Infants were observed sleeping in and staff interactions were nurturing and caring. We observed the three- and four-year-old children playing on the playground using stationary equipment and interacting in active play. A temporary mesh fence was observed surrounding a sandbox that is not in use. Ms. Whitehead shared with us that the area is under construction and being redesigned. We advised her to monitor the fencing regularly to ensure compliance with entrapment safety requirements. During all of the staff and administrative interviews we asked about the center’s policy on injuries and appropriate interactions with children. Staff is aware of the procedures for reporting injuries. It was explained that administrators are notified when injuries occur, and first aid is provided if needed. It was explained that parents are notified, and incident reports are created for any observed injury. One staff member inquired about appropriate interactions in assisting toddlers and two year old children with going down for rest and then staying on their cots at rest tine. I shared the rules and have included the rules in the Technical Assistance section of this document. Findings: Based on interviews and observations it was determined that the concerns that children are not being adequately supervised is unsubstantiated. Based on interviews it was determined children have been supervised adequately at all times. An incident report was started but not completed to include first aid provided or the time the injury was observed. Based on an interview with a staff member that there is handling of children in a rough manner by placing children on their cots aggressively during naptime was substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. An incident report was started but did not include first aid information and time the injury was observed. .0802 (e) 904 Child was handled roughly. Per teacher interview, one teacher reported that she observed that a staff member placed a child on the cot in a rough manner. .1803(a)(1) Compliance Statement: 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. A follow up visit will be conducted within two weeks to verify compliance. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance: We discussed and encourage you to review the following rules with your staff: SECTION .1800 - STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Children shall be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision shall mean that: (1) staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff must interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff must know where each child is located and be aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff must be able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. All of the conditions in this Paragraph shall apply except when emergencies necessitate that adequate supervision is impossible. Documentation of emergencies shall be maintained and available for review by Division representatives upon request. (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. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(7); 143B-168.3; Eff. October 1, 2017. 10A NCAC 09 .1802 STAFF/CHILD INTERACTIONS Staff shall interact with children in positive ways by helping them feel welcome and comfortable, treating them with respect, listening to what they say, responding to them with acceptance and appreciation, and participating in activities with the children. For example, staff shall: (1) make eye contact when speaking to a child; (2) engage children in conversation to share experiences, ideas, and opinions; (3) help children develop problem-solving skills; and (4) facilitate learning by providing positive reinforcement, encouraging efforts, and recognizing accomplishments. History Note: Authority G.S. 110-85; 110-91(8),(11); 143B-168.3; Effective January 1, 2024 75 Eff. July 1, 2010; Readopted Eff. October 1, 2017 (Transferred from 10A NCAC 09 .0501). 10A NCAC 09 .1803 PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) No child shall be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" shall mean any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. The following shall apply at all child care centers: (1) no child shall be handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking; (2) no child shall be placed in a locked room, closet, or box or be left alone in a room separated from staff; (3) no discipline shall be delegated to another child; (4) no food shall be withheld as punishment or given as a means of reward; (5) no child shall be disciplined for toileting accidents; (6) no child shall be disciplined for not sleeping during rest period; (7) no child shall be disciplined by assigning chores that require contact with or use of hazardous materials, such as cleaning bathrooms, floors, or emptying diaper pails; (8) physical activity, such as running laps and doing push-ups, shall not be withheld as punishment or required as punishment; (9) no child shall be yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened, or bullied; and (10) no child shall be restrained as a form of discipline unless the child's safety or the safety of others is at risk. For purposes of this Rule, "restraining" shall mean that a caregiver physically holds a child in a manner that restricts the child's movement, for a minimum amount of time necessary to ensure a safe environment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Rule, no child shall be restrained through the use of heavy objects, including a caregiver's body, or any device such as straps, blankets, car seats, or cribs. (b) Discipline practices shall be age and developmentally appropriate. We discussed that incident reports should be completed at the time an injury is reported with the information you have regarding the incident and first aid administered. Please review the requirements in Chapter 9 0802 (e) of Rules and Regulations for Child Care Centers. We discussed the Parent’s Night Out Event. Ms. Whitehead explained it is operated by the church and not part of the licensed facility. The children enrolled in the program attending the event will be signed out by the parent and brought back to the event. The license for the facility is adequate and will not require change if Parent Night Out is completely operated by the church. We discussed regular monitoring of the temporary fence mesh to monitor the area regularly to ensure compliance with entrapment safety requirements Reminders: Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, on a regular basis. All the laws, rules and regulations, item number listing, sanitation requirements, and provider documents can be found on the website. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety trainings free of charge. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns regarding today’s visit, please contact me at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov or 980-748-6270. 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/3/2024 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 9/4/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 388 Time In: 09:42 AM Time Out: 04:10 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 applicable child care requirements during the routine unannounced visit. The current Notice of Compliance was issued on 12/11/20. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 3-22-23. The 18-month compliance history, prior to today’s visit was 78%. I met with Bobbi Whitehead, Director, during today's visit. I was introduced to Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator and Michael Stewart, Pastor. You shared that you are currently moving office and classroom spaces. We review the floor plans and approved spaces including capacity for each room. You were able to accompany me on today's walk through of the facility. During the walk through I observed every classroom and all groups of children. During the visit I observed classroom play, literacy time in the library, lunch, transitions, buggy rides and rest. Supervision and staff/child ratio were maintained throughout the observation. Staff were observed seated with children reading books, singing songs, assisting children with lunch, encouraging or assisting in play, caring for individual routines and walking around the indoor environment monitoring play. I heard nurturing tones used when staff spoke with children in care and observed the director and caregivers consoling crying children as needed. Infants were observed being bottle fed, resting and having floor time with a caregiver interacting with them. I monitored visual safe sleep checks and found several marked with tummy as initial position. I observed bottles all bottles stored properly labeled and dated. I observed current feeding schedules for all children under 15 months. Medications and emergency medical plans were monitored today. Several violations were observed. The emergency medication can be stored above 5 feet, unlocked, so you have quick access if needed. The antihistamines included in an emergency care plan must be stored in locked storage. Please see violation and technical assistance portion of this document. One child requiring emergency medication was moved up to the three year old classroom however, his Medical Action Plan was not moved with him. You shared with me that this was your first week of operating in the new school year and that he just moved up. I also observed lunch being served to toddlers and twos in the multi-purpose room. Supervision was maintained and the children were monitored and assisted while eating. I reviewed program records today. The last fire inspection was conducted on 11-17-23, the incident log and playground safety checks were reviewed and found meeting compliance. I reviewed the current emergency drill log, you did not document the August fire drill you conducted the week of August 26, 2024. Information required to be posted was observed posted. The EMC is located plan is current and posted. The No Smoking and no e-cigarettes sign was posted however, did not include a no tobacco statement. I reviewed your current staff and training worksheet. Each staff and the pastor has a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file. You and staff working with infants have current ITS/SIDS. Five staff who have been employed more than 90 days do not current CPR and First Aid certification. Eight new staff have been hired since the last annual compliance visit. You completed EPR training and reviewed the current EPR and EMC plans with all staff during the teacher workday 8/22/24. Cleaning supplies were observed stored properly. General safety requirements were monitored. In several rooms first aid kits containing sharp scissors and tweezers were stored in the outdoor back packs located lower the 5'. The children were not in the room at the time. You removed those items. In an infant room, a shelf with a radio, sound machine and cords were directly over a crib posing a safety hazard. A child was not in the crib at the time and the crib is not being currently used. Each group was observed in approved adequate space. All restrictions on the Notice of Compliance were observed meeting compliance. The following violations were found today: Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The fire drill for August, 2024 was not documented on the emergency log. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. An antihistamine in Space 103 was in a teacher's backpack at lunch time and is not stored in a locked cabinet in the classroom when not with the teacher. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space 103, two children had diaper cream that had expired and one child did not have a permission to administer form for a diaper cream. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Spaces 105, 117 and 120 plastic bags were accessible to children in the diaper changing area. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space 117 an infant was marked on tummy at initial documentation on safe sleep chart. .0606(g) 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. Five staff members do not have current First Aid Certification. .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. Five staff members do not have current CPR certification. .1102(d) Compliance Statement: 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 September 17, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant 8801 Crosstimbers Drive Charlotte. NC 28215 Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Emails and Current Newsletters: Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ for the latest information on child care rules and regulations. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety trainings free of charge for your staff. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. Additionally, you can access information to prepare you for each type of visit conducted at your facility. General Comments and Discussions: Staff and Training Worksheets: We discussed updating the worksheets monthly to monitor important expiration dates and saving a working document to your desktop for easy access. Medications: We discussed training all staff in medication requirements, continuing to monitor monthly for expiration dates, accurate permission to administer forms and communicating clear expectations with parents. Please review all rules regarding medication storage carefully. The reference numbers are included after each violation. The rules are located in Chapter 9 of the Child Care Rules and in Section 2800 of the Sanitation Laws. Current documents can be accessed on our website. I encourage you to save these to your desktop for quick reference. I left you a printed resources sheet from Environmental Health website. You can access these resources at https://eh.mecknc.gov/lodging. Human Milk Storage and Preparation: 15A NCAC 18A .2804 FOOD SUPPLIES (d) All human milk, formula, and other bottled beverages, including beverages in sippy cups, that are sent from home shall be fully prepared and labeled with the date received at the child care center and the name of the child to whom the milk, formula, or beverage belongs before being brought to the child care center. All human milk, formula, and other bottled beverages shall be sent home with the child whose name is on the label or discarded at the end of each day. Formula and other beverages that require refrigeration, baby food that has been opened, and human milk shall be labeled with the name of the child to whom the beverage, baby food, or milk belongs and shall be refrigerated at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below. (e) Frozen human milk may be stored frozen for three months. Any frozen human milk stored beyond seven days shall be stored in the freezer compartment of a full-size refrigerator that has a separate door to the freezer, in a chest freezer, or in an upright deep freezer. Frozen human milk shall be thawed in accordance with of Rule .2807(i)(1) or (i)(2) of this Section and prepared in the child care center's kitchen or food preparation area. In addition to the labeling required by Paragraph (d) of this Rule, frozen human milk shall be labeled with the date that it is thawed for use. Human milk that was previously frozen and has been thawed shall be refrigerated and stored for no more than 24 hours from when it was thawed. Human milk that was previously frozen and has been thawed shall not be refrozen for storage at the child care center. (f) Formula provided by the child care center shall be commercial ready-to-feed formula that is pre-packaged in single-use containers. Formula that does not meet these requirements and human milk may be provided to a child by child care center employees as prescribed by the child's health care provider or as instructed, in writing, by the child's parent or guardian. Bottles and other drinking utensils provided by the child care center shall be sanitized in accordance with this Section.(h) After the completion of each feeding, any leftover formula, human milk, or other bottled beverages used during the feeding shall be discarded or sent home with the child whose name is on the label for the formula, human milk, or bottled beverage at the end of each day. Feeding is complete when the child care center employee has stopped feeding the child and the child has been removed from the feeding area in the child care center and returned to other activities. Bottles previously used for feeding shall not be returned to communal mechanical refrigeration. Nothing in these Rules shall prohibit human milk from being sent home at the end of the day with the child whose name is on the label for the human milk instead of being discarded when the child's parent or guardian has given the child care center written permission to send the human milk home. Materials: We discussed ensuring that there are adequate materials in the classrooms serving toddlers and twos. The materials observed today were in good repair however, more age appropriate material accessible to children will ensure a better learning environment for young children. Transition Plan: We discussed developing a checklist and/or plan for moving children to a new classroom to ensure that all belongings, medical action plans, medications, feeding schedules and belongings move with the child. At the completion of the visit, I notified you that I would complete the violation customization and Technical Assistance sections at home. I will come by the facility to review the visit summary and get your signature. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 980-748-6270 or by email at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: LISA EDDINS-SMITH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/3/2024 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 9/4/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 388 Time In: 09:42 AM Time Out: 04:10 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 applicable child care requirements during the routine unannounced visit. The current Notice of Compliance was issued on 12/11/20. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 3-22-23. The 18-month compliance history, prior to today’s visit was 78%. I met with Bobbi Whitehead, Director, during today's visit. I was introduced to Kailynn Lamar, Regulations Coordinator and Michael Stewart, Pastor. You shared that you are currently moving office and classroom spaces. We review the floor plans and approved spaces including capacity for each room. You were able to accompany me on today's walk through of the facility. During the walk through I observed every classroom and all groups of children. During the visit I observed classroom play, literacy time in the library, lunch, transitions, buggy rides and rest. Supervision and staff/child ratio were maintained throughout the observation. Staff were observed seated with children reading books, singing songs, assisting children with lunch, encouraging or assisting in play, caring for individual routines and walking around the indoor environment monitoring play. I heard nurturing tones used when staff spoke with children in care and observed the director and caregivers consoling crying children as needed. Infants were observed being bottle fed, resting and having floor time with a caregiver interacting with them. I monitored visual safe sleep checks and found several marked with tummy as initial position. I observed bottles all bottles stored properly labeled and dated. I observed current feeding schedules for all children under 15 months. Medications and emergency medical plans were monitored today. Several violations were observed. The emergency medication can be stored above 5 feet, unlocked, so you have quick access if needed. The antihistamines included in an emergency care plan must be stored in locked storage. Please see violation and technical assistance portion of this document. One child requiring emergency medication was moved up to the three year old classroom however, his Medical Action Plan was not moved with him. You shared with me that this was your first week of operating in the new school year and that he just moved up. I also observed lunch being served to toddlers and twos in the multi-purpose room. Supervision was maintained and the children were monitored and assisted while eating. I reviewed program records today. The last fire inspection was conducted on 11-17-23, the incident log and playground safety checks were reviewed and found meeting compliance. I reviewed the current emergency drill log, you did not document the August fire drill you conducted the week of August 26, 2024. Information required to be posted was observed posted. The EMC is located plan is current and posted. The No Smoking and no e-cigarettes sign was posted however, did not include a no tobacco statement. I reviewed your current staff and training worksheet. Each staff and the pastor has a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file. You and staff working with infants have current ITS/SIDS. Five staff who have been employed more than 90 days do not current CPR and First Aid certification. Eight new staff have been hired since the last annual compliance visit. You completed EPR training and reviewed the current EPR and EMC plans with all staff during the teacher workday 8/22/24. Cleaning supplies were observed stored properly. General safety requirements were monitored. In several rooms first aid kits containing sharp scissors and tweezers were stored in the outdoor back packs located lower the 5'. The children were not in the room at the time. You removed those items. In an infant room, a shelf with a radio, sound machine and cords were directly over a crib posing a safety hazard. A child was not in the crib at the time and the crib is not being currently used. Each group was observed in approved adequate space. All restrictions on the Notice of Compliance were observed meeting compliance. The following violations were found today: Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The fire drill for August, 2024 was not documented on the emergency log. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. An antihistamine in Space 103 was in a teacher's backpack at lunch time and is not stored in a locked cabinet in the classroom when not with the teacher. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space 103, two children had diaper cream that had expired and one child did not have a permission to administer form for a diaper cream. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Spaces 105, 117 and 120 plastic bags were accessible to children in the diaper changing area. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space 117 an infant was marked on tummy at initial documentation on safe sleep chart. .0606(g) 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. Five staff members do not have current First Aid Certification. .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. Five staff members do not have current CPR certification. .1102(d) Compliance Statement: 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 September 17, 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: Lisa Eddins-Smith, Child Care Consultant 8801 Crosstimbers Drive Charlotte. NC 28215 Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time-period. Technical Assistance Emails and Current Newsletters: Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. DCDEE Website: I encourage you to utilize the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ for the latest information on child care rules and regulations. Additionally, there are many resources such as DCDEE Moodle where you can complete health and safety trainings free of charge for your staff. The What’s New tab provides current information that is sent out through blast emails. Additionally, you can access information to prepare you for each type of visit conducted at your facility. General Comments and Discussions: Staff and Training Worksheets: We discussed updating the worksheets monthly to monitor important expiration dates and saving a working document to your desktop for easy access. Medications: We discussed training all staff in medication requirements, continuing to monitor monthly for expiration dates, accurate permission to administer forms and communicating clear expectations with parents. Please review all rules regarding medication storage carefully. The reference numbers are included after each violation. The rules are located in Chapter 9 of the Child Care Rules and in Section 2800 of the Sanitation Laws. Current documents can be accessed on our website. I encourage you to save these to your desktop for quick reference. I left you a printed resources sheet from Environmental Health website. You can access these resources at https://eh.mecknc.gov/lodging. Human Milk Storage and Preparation: 15A NCAC 18A .2804 FOOD SUPPLIES (d) All human milk, formula, and other bottled beverages, including beverages in sippy cups, that are sent from home shall be fully prepared and labeled with the date received at the child care center and the name of the child to whom the milk, formula, or beverage belongs before being brought to the child care center. All human milk, formula, and other bottled beverages shall be sent home with the child whose name is on the label or discarded at the end of each day. Formula and other beverages that require refrigeration, baby food that has been opened, and human milk shall be labeled with the name of the child to whom the beverage, baby food, or milk belongs and shall be refrigerated at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below. (e) Frozen human milk may be stored frozen for three months. Any frozen human milk stored beyond seven days shall be stored in the freezer compartment of a full-size refrigerator that has a separate door to the freezer, in a chest freezer, or in an upright deep freezer. Frozen human milk shall be thawed in accordance with of Rule .2807(i)(1) or (i)(2) of this Section and prepared in the child care center's kitchen or food preparation area. In addition to the labeling required by Paragraph (d) of this Rule, frozen human milk shall be labeled with the date that it is thawed for use. Human milk that was previously frozen and has been thawed shall be refrigerated and stored for no more than 24 hours from when it was thawed. Human milk that was previously frozen and has been thawed shall not be refrozen for storage at the child care center. (f) Formula provided by the child care center shall be commercial ready-to-feed formula that is pre-packaged in single-use containers. Formula that does not meet these requirements and human milk may be provided to a child by child care center employees as prescribed by the child's health care provider or as instructed, in writing, by the child's parent or guardian. Bottles and other drinking utensils provided by the child care center shall be sanitized in accordance with this Section.(h) After the completion of each feeding, any leftover formula, human milk, or other bottled beverages used during the feeding shall be discarded or sent home with the child whose name is on the label for the formula, human milk, or bottled beverage at the end of each day. Feeding is complete when the child care center employee has stopped feeding the child and the child has been removed from the feeding area in the child care center and returned to other activities. Bottles previously used for feeding shall not be returned to communal mechanical refrigeration. Nothing in these Rules shall prohibit human milk from being sent home at the end of the day with the child whose name is on the label for the human milk instead of being discarded when the child's parent or guardian has given the child care center written permission to send the human milk home. Materials: We discussed ensuring that there are adequate materials in the classrooms serving toddlers and twos. The materials observed today were in good repair however, more age appropriate material accessible to children will ensure a better learning environment for young children. Transition Plan: We discussed developing a checklist and/or plan for moving children to a new classroom to ensure that all belongings, medical action plans, medications, feeding schedules and belongings move with the child. At the completion of the visit, I notified you that I would complete the violation customization and Technical Assistance sections at home. I will come by the facility to review the visit summary and get your signature. Thank you for your time today. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 980-748-6270 or by email at Lisa.Eddins-Smith@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 .0601 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: DORA NETTLES Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0524-130A Visit Date: 5/14/2024 Number Present: 134 Completed Date: 5/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 290 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Kailynn Minor, assistant administrator, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Minor and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and/or confirmed during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Staff did not ensure a safe environment by subjecting children to a physical and verbal altercation which included profanity among staff members. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one week (5/21/2024), you must submit documentation of the corrections you made and your plan to maintain compliance with the identified child care requirements to me at Dora Nettles, Investigations Consultant, 704-386-0374, dora.nettles@dhhs.nc.gov , fax 919-715-1013. You may contact me, Dora Nettles, Investigations Consultant, 704-386-0374, dora.nettles@dhhs.nc.gov or Veronica Grant, South Central Investigations Team Supervisor, veronica.grant@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/20/2024 Number Present: 126 Completed Date: 3/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 04:00 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 compliance of applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to monitor compliance today. I met with Bobbi Whitehead, Administrator, during today's visit. You were able to accompany me on today's walk through of the facility. During the walk through I observed group of children. During the visit I observed classroom play, lunch and rest. Supervision and staff/child ratio were maintained throughout the observation. Staff were observed seated with children reading books, encouraging or assisting in play and walking around the indoor environment monitoring play. One two year old was having a very hard morning and did not want anything to do with her classroom, the children or staff in the room. One of the teachers was able to hold her and tried soothing her and then walked with her in the hallway and outside as she calmed down. I heard nurturing tones used when staff spoke with children in care. Infants were observed having diapers changed, being bottle fed, resting and having visual safe sleep checks conducted, all found meeting compliance. While in one infant room I observed bottles not labeled and dated, one staff labeled and dated them in my presence. Medications were monitored today. I observed them stored properly but did observe violations regarding permission and administering, please see violation and technical assistance portion of this document. The outdoor environment was monitored, I observed a few violations and discussed them with you while outdoors. You have large play areas with a variety of gross motor material for children to utilize while outdoors on each playground. A sample of children's records were reviewed and found meeting compliance. I reviewed the staff and training worksheets against staff files today. One infant staff did not have proof of completing ITS/SIDS training, she believes she completed the training in November. Her training expired in January 2024. You had not updated your annual health questionnaire and emergency information, but did in my presence today. You will be completing EPR training by May 12, 2024 and will update the EPR plan in the Risk Management Portal and review with all staff at that time. Program records were reviewed, you did not complete a monthly playground inspection for February 2024. The incident log and emergency drill log was reviewed and found meeting compliance. Information required to be posted was observed posted in the facility. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 17, 2023. You did not have a copy of the inspection, so I emailed it to you during the visit. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 11-21-23. You provide transportation and requirements were found meeting compliance today. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In Space 117 I observed 2 infant's bottles not dated and one infant's not labeled or dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 541 The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. More than half of the feeding schedules in space 115 and Space 117 were not signed and dated by the parent. .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Four feeding schedules in Space 7 were not modified to describe infant's current eating habits. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Indoors I observed torn books, missing covers and pages in Space 105. Outdoors the steering wheel on the large stationary equipment on the preschool playground was observed loose, causing a pinch point. Also on the preschool playground I observed a small plastic play house that the bench is broken off and you removed the door leaving two holes and the plastic is rough in those areas. I observed a torn ball on the toddler/two's playground (this was removed during the visit.) The fence covering on the infant/toddler playground is torn in two places. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Outdoors, I observed landscaping material sticking up in two places causing tripping hazards on the Toddler/Two's playground, and one place on the preschool playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space 107 I observed a Benadryl locked in a cabinet with no written permission to administer and an Auvi Q without written permission to administer. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A monthly playground inspection was not documented for the month of February 2024. .0605(q) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One staff did not have a current Health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One staff did not have an annual emergency information form on file. .0701(a) 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. One infant staff did not have proof of completing ITS-SIDS training within 3 years of last completion. The last training certificate on file states she completed the training on 1/5/2021. She stated she believed she completed the training in November 2023 but the training certificate could not be located. .1102(f) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. Four staff have do not have proof of receiving an EPR annual review since last review. Two staff last reviewed the plan on 4/5/22, one staff last reviewed on 6/27/22, and one staff last reviewed on 2/14/23. .0607(e) 1881 Over-the-counter medication was given which exceeded the amount and frequency of the dosage on the manufacturer's label. In Space 107, 3.75ml of Walgreen's Infant Pain and Fever reducer was administered on 12-7-23 to a child under 2 years of age. Written permission from the parent was on file, however the instructions on the Walgreen's Infant Pain and Fever Reducer states "Children under 2 ask a doctor", there was not written permission from a medical professional on file. .0803(4)(c ) Compliance Letter: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Bobbi Whitehead, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before April 3, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Medications: We reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0803. We both pulled up the rules on our laptops and I reviewed the requirement and I provided suggestions on implementation and we reviewed the permission forms found on the DCDEE website. I encourage medications be checked in by front office personnel to ensure you have accurate information, permission, appropriate signatures, dates and medical action plans if required obtained. Good Repair: We discussed what poor repair means. I provided some examples such as books with missing covers, torn pages, marking through words and pictures that cannot be repaired, interactive toys with dead batteries, puzzles missing pieces, toys with parts missing or broken off, balls deflated, etc. I encourage you to talk with staff about informing you when items are in poor repair and removing them immediately. If an item cannot be removed and is poor repair, you will need to make it inaccessible to children in care until it can be removed, repaired or replaced. Staff Files: Keeping the staff and training worksheet current and using it as a running document will assist you in maintaining compliance with staff files. You can color code the excel sheet to make items that are going to expire or need attention to stand out. I encourage you to put a process in place to review the document at least monthly. When a new staff is hired you should input the information on the staff and training worksheet on day 1. Nutrition: I reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0900 requirements with you, we specifically discussed the opt out option and parent preferences. If a parent chooses to opt out of the nutrition component of the program they are to bring all meals, snacks and drinks for their child while in your care and you will not provide anything to that child, except drinking water throughout the day. The food and drink the parent provides is not required to meet nutritional requirements when they have a signed opt out form on file and choose that option. If a parent hasn't opted out and provides food, if it does not meet the nutritional component then you are required to supply the nutritional component missing. If a parent has a preference in what they want their child to have or not have you must obtain the clear instructions in writing and you will add the information to the allergy list posted in the child's classroom. I provided you a resource to find EPR trainers in the area www.healthychildcare.unc.edu Record Retention: We reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .2318 regarding staff files. There are charts for children, staff and programs records to reference. Reminder: You need to follow up with DCDEE criminal record check unit regarding yours and the head pastor's qualifying letter, please let me know what you find out. Once you have the staff you are hiring on board, I am happy to be part of a staff meeting or provide technical assistance on rules you want to review. You will need to contact me to schedule. If you have any questions please contact me: Andrea Anderson 12233 Royal Castle Ct Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/20/2024 Number Present: 126 Completed Date: 3/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 04:00 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 compliance of applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to monitor compliance today. I met with Bobbi Whitehead, Administrator, during today's visit. You were able to accompany me on today's walk through of the facility. During the walk through I observed group of children. During the visit I observed classroom play, lunch and rest. Supervision and staff/child ratio were maintained throughout the observation. Staff were observed seated with children reading books, encouraging or assisting in play and walking around the indoor environment monitoring play. One two year old was having a very hard morning and did not want anything to do with her classroom, the children or staff in the room. One of the teachers was able to hold her and tried soothing her and then walked with her in the hallway and outside as she calmed down. I heard nurturing tones used when staff spoke with children in care. Infants were observed having diapers changed, being bottle fed, resting and having visual safe sleep checks conducted, all found meeting compliance. While in one infant room I observed bottles not labeled and dated, one staff labeled and dated them in my presence. Medications were monitored today. I observed them stored properly but did observe violations regarding permission and administering, please see violation and technical assistance portion of this document. The outdoor environment was monitored, I observed a few violations and discussed them with you while outdoors. You have large play areas with a variety of gross motor material for children to utilize while outdoors on each playground. A sample of children's records were reviewed and found meeting compliance. I reviewed the staff and training worksheets against staff files today. One infant staff did not have proof of completing ITS/SIDS training, she believes she completed the training in November. Her training expired in January 2024. You had not updated your annual health questionnaire and emergency information, but did in my presence today. You will be completing EPR training by May 12, 2024 and will update the EPR plan in the Risk Management Portal and review with all staff at that time. Program records were reviewed, you did not complete a monthly playground inspection for February 2024. The incident log and emergency drill log was reviewed and found meeting compliance. Information required to be posted was observed posted in the facility. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 17, 2023. You did not have a copy of the inspection, so I emailed it to you during the visit. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 11-21-23. You provide transportation and requirements were found meeting compliance today. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In Space 117 I observed 2 infant's bottles not dated and one infant's not labeled or dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 541 The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. More than half of the feeding schedules in space 115 and Space 117 were not signed and dated by the parent. .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Four feeding schedules in Space 7 were not modified to describe infant's current eating habits. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Indoors I observed torn books, missing covers and pages in Space 105. Outdoors the steering wheel on the large stationary equipment on the preschool playground was observed loose, causing a pinch point. Also on the preschool playground I observed a small plastic play house that the bench is broken off and you removed the door leaving two holes and the plastic is rough in those areas. I observed a torn ball on the toddler/two's playground (this was removed during the visit.) The fence covering on the infant/toddler playground is torn in two places. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Outdoors, I observed landscaping material sticking up in two places causing tripping hazards on the Toddler/Two's playground, and one place on the preschool playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space 107 I observed a Benadryl locked in a cabinet with no written permission to administer and an Auvi Q without written permission to administer. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A monthly playground inspection was not documented for the month of February 2024. .0605(q) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One staff did not have a current Health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One staff did not have an annual emergency information form on file. .0701(a) 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. One infant staff did not have proof of completing ITS-SIDS training within 3 years of last completion. The last training certificate on file states she completed the training on 1/5/2021. She stated she believed she completed the training in November 2023 but the training certificate could not be located. .1102(f) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. Four staff have do not have proof of receiving an EPR annual review since last review. Two staff last reviewed the plan on 4/5/22, one staff last reviewed on 6/27/22, and one staff last reviewed on 2/14/23. .0607(e) 1881 Over-the-counter medication was given which exceeded the amount and frequency of the dosage on the manufacturer's label. In Space 107, 3.75ml of Walgreen's Infant Pain and Fever reducer was administered on 12-7-23 to a child under 2 years of age. Written permission from the parent was on file, however the instructions on the Walgreen's Infant Pain and Fever Reducer states "Children under 2 ask a doctor", there was not written permission from a medical professional on file. .0803(4)(c ) Compliance Letter: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Bobbi Whitehead, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before April 3, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Medications: We reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0803. We both pulled up the rules on our laptops and I reviewed the requirement and I provided suggestions on implementation and we reviewed the permission forms found on the DCDEE website. I encourage medications be checked in by front office personnel to ensure you have accurate information, permission, appropriate signatures, dates and medical action plans if required obtained. Good Repair: We discussed what poor repair means. I provided some examples such as books with missing covers, torn pages, marking through words and pictures that cannot be repaired, interactive toys with dead batteries, puzzles missing pieces, toys with parts missing or broken off, balls deflated, etc. I encourage you to talk with staff about informing you when items are in poor repair and removing them immediately. If an item cannot be removed and is poor repair, you will need to make it inaccessible to children in care until it can be removed, repaired or replaced. Staff Files: Keeping the staff and training worksheet current and using it as a running document will assist you in maintaining compliance with staff files. You can color code the excel sheet to make items that are going to expire or need attention to stand out. I encourage you to put a process in place to review the document at least monthly. When a new staff is hired you should input the information on the staff and training worksheet on day 1. Nutrition: I reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0900 requirements with you, we specifically discussed the opt out option and parent preferences. If a parent chooses to opt out of the nutrition component of the program they are to bring all meals, snacks and drinks for their child while in your care and you will not provide anything to that child, except drinking water throughout the day. The food and drink the parent provides is not required to meet nutritional requirements when they have a signed opt out form on file and choose that option. If a parent hasn't opted out and provides food, if it does not meet the nutritional component then you are required to supply the nutritional component missing. If a parent has a preference in what they want their child to have or not have you must obtain the clear instructions in writing and you will add the information to the allergy list posted in the child's classroom. I provided you a resource to find EPR trainers in the area www.healthychildcare.unc.edu Record Retention: We reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .2318 regarding staff files. There are charts for children, staff and programs records to reference. Reminder: You need to follow up with DCDEE criminal record check unit regarding yours and the head pastor's qualifying letter, please let me know what you find out. Once you have the staff you are hiring on board, I am happy to be part of a staff meeting or provide technical assistance on rules you want to review. You will need to contact me to schedule. If you have any questions please contact me: Andrea Anderson 12233 Royal Castle Ct Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 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 .0900 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/20/2024 Number Present: 126 Completed Date: 3/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 04:00 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 compliance of applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to monitor compliance today. I met with Bobbi Whitehead, Administrator, during today's visit. You were able to accompany me on today's walk through of the facility. During the walk through I observed group of children. During the visit I observed classroom play, lunch and rest. Supervision and staff/child ratio were maintained throughout the observation. Staff were observed seated with children reading books, encouraging or assisting in play and walking around the indoor environment monitoring play. One two year old was having a very hard morning and did not want anything to do with her classroom, the children or staff in the room. One of the teachers was able to hold her and tried soothing her and then walked with her in the hallway and outside as she calmed down. I heard nurturing tones used when staff spoke with children in care. Infants were observed having diapers changed, being bottle fed, resting and having visual safe sleep checks conducted, all found meeting compliance. While in one infant room I observed bottles not labeled and dated, one staff labeled and dated them in my presence. Medications were monitored today. I observed them stored properly but did observe violations regarding permission and administering, please see violation and technical assistance portion of this document. The outdoor environment was monitored, I observed a few violations and discussed them with you while outdoors. You have large play areas with a variety of gross motor material for children to utilize while outdoors on each playground. A sample of children's records were reviewed and found meeting compliance. I reviewed the staff and training worksheets against staff files today. One infant staff did not have proof of completing ITS/SIDS training, she believes she completed the training in November. Her training expired in January 2024. You had not updated your annual health questionnaire and emergency information, but did in my presence today. You will be completing EPR training by May 12, 2024 and will update the EPR plan in the Risk Management Portal and review with all staff at that time. Program records were reviewed, you did not complete a monthly playground inspection for February 2024. The incident log and emergency drill log was reviewed and found meeting compliance. Information required to be posted was observed posted in the facility. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 17, 2023. You did not have a copy of the inspection, so I emailed it to you during the visit. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 11-21-23. You provide transportation and requirements were found meeting compliance today. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In Space 117 I observed 2 infant's bottles not dated and one infant's not labeled or dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 541 The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. More than half of the feeding schedules in space 115 and Space 117 were not signed and dated by the parent. .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Four feeding schedules in Space 7 were not modified to describe infant's current eating habits. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Indoors I observed torn books, missing covers and pages in Space 105. Outdoors the steering wheel on the large stationary equipment on the preschool playground was observed loose, causing a pinch point. Also on the preschool playground I observed a small plastic play house that the bench is broken off and you removed the door leaving two holes and the plastic is rough in those areas. I observed a torn ball on the toddler/two's playground (this was removed during the visit.) The fence covering on the infant/toddler playground is torn in two places. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Outdoors, I observed landscaping material sticking up in two places causing tripping hazards on the Toddler/Two's playground, and one place on the preschool playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space 107 I observed a Benadryl locked in a cabinet with no written permission to administer and an Auvi Q without written permission to administer. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A monthly playground inspection was not documented for the month of February 2024. .0605(q) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One staff did not have a current Health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One staff did not have an annual emergency information form on file. .0701(a) 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. One infant staff did not have proof of completing ITS-SIDS training within 3 years of last completion. The last training certificate on file states she completed the training on 1/5/2021. She stated she believed she completed the training in November 2023 but the training certificate could not be located. .1102(f) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. Four staff have do not have proof of receiving an EPR annual review since last review. Two staff last reviewed the plan on 4/5/22, one staff last reviewed on 6/27/22, and one staff last reviewed on 2/14/23. .0607(e) 1881 Over-the-counter medication was given which exceeded the amount and frequency of the dosage on the manufacturer's label. In Space 107, 3.75ml of Walgreen's Infant Pain and Fever reducer was administered on 12-7-23 to a child under 2 years of age. Written permission from the parent was on file, however the instructions on the Walgreen's Infant Pain and Fever Reducer states "Children under 2 ask a doctor", there was not written permission from a medical professional on file. .0803(4)(c ) Compliance Letter: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Bobbi Whitehead, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before April 3, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Medications: We reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0803. We both pulled up the rules on our laptops and I reviewed the requirement and I provided suggestions on implementation and we reviewed the permission forms found on the DCDEE website. I encourage medications be checked in by front office personnel to ensure you have accurate information, permission, appropriate signatures, dates and medical action plans if required obtained. Good Repair: We discussed what poor repair means. I provided some examples such as books with missing covers, torn pages, marking through words and pictures that cannot be repaired, interactive toys with dead batteries, puzzles missing pieces, toys with parts missing or broken off, balls deflated, etc. I encourage you to talk with staff about informing you when items are in poor repair and removing them immediately. If an item cannot be removed and is poor repair, you will need to make it inaccessible to children in care until it can be removed, repaired or replaced. Staff Files: Keeping the staff and training worksheet current and using it as a running document will assist you in maintaining compliance with staff files. You can color code the excel sheet to make items that are going to expire or need attention to stand out. I encourage you to put a process in place to review the document at least monthly. When a new staff is hired you should input the information on the staff and training worksheet on day 1. Nutrition: I reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0900 requirements with you, we specifically discussed the opt out option and parent preferences. If a parent chooses to opt out of the nutrition component of the program they are to bring all meals, snacks and drinks for their child while in your care and you will not provide anything to that child, except drinking water throughout the day. The food and drink the parent provides is not required to meet nutritional requirements when they have a signed opt out form on file and choose that option. If a parent hasn't opted out and provides food, if it does not meet the nutritional component then you are required to supply the nutritional component missing. If a parent has a preference in what they want their child to have or not have you must obtain the clear instructions in writing and you will add the information to the allergy list posted in the child's classroom. I provided you a resource to find EPR trainers in the area www.healthychildcare.unc.edu Record Retention: We reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .2318 regarding staff files. There are charts for children, staff and programs records to reference. Reminder: You need to follow up with DCDEE criminal record check unit regarding yours and the head pastor's qualifying letter, please let me know what you find out. Once you have the staff you are hiring on board, I am happy to be part of a staff meeting or provide technical assistance on rules you want to review. You will need to contact me to schedule. If you have any questions please contact me: Andrea Anderson 12233 Royal Castle Ct Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 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 .2318 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/20/2024 Number Present: 126 Completed Date: 3/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 04:00 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 compliance of applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to monitor compliance today. I met with Bobbi Whitehead, Administrator, during today's visit. You were able to accompany me on today's walk through of the facility. During the walk through I observed group of children. During the visit I observed classroom play, lunch and rest. Supervision and staff/child ratio were maintained throughout the observation. Staff were observed seated with children reading books, encouraging or assisting in play and walking around the indoor environment monitoring play. One two year old was having a very hard morning and did not want anything to do with her classroom, the children or staff in the room. One of the teachers was able to hold her and tried soothing her and then walked with her in the hallway and outside as she calmed down. I heard nurturing tones used when staff spoke with children in care. Infants were observed having diapers changed, being bottle fed, resting and having visual safe sleep checks conducted, all found meeting compliance. While in one infant room I observed bottles not labeled and dated, one staff labeled and dated them in my presence. Medications were monitored today. I observed them stored properly but did observe violations regarding permission and administering, please see violation and technical assistance portion of this document. The outdoor environment was monitored, I observed a few violations and discussed them with you while outdoors. You have large play areas with a variety of gross motor material for children to utilize while outdoors on each playground. A sample of children's records were reviewed and found meeting compliance. I reviewed the staff and training worksheets against staff files today. One infant staff did not have proof of completing ITS/SIDS training, she believes she completed the training in November. Her training expired in January 2024. You had not updated your annual health questionnaire and emergency information, but did in my presence today. You will be completing EPR training by May 12, 2024 and will update the EPR plan in the Risk Management Portal and review with all staff at that time. Program records were reviewed, you did not complete a monthly playground inspection for February 2024. The incident log and emergency drill log was reviewed and found meeting compliance. Information required to be posted was observed posted in the facility. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 17, 2023. You did not have a copy of the inspection, so I emailed it to you during the visit. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 11-21-23. You provide transportation and requirements were found meeting compliance today. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In Space 117 I observed 2 infant's bottles not dated and one infant's not labeled or dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 541 The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. More than half of the feeding schedules in space 115 and Space 117 were not signed and dated by the parent. .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Four feeding schedules in Space 7 were not modified to describe infant's current eating habits. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Indoors I observed torn books, missing covers and pages in Space 105. Outdoors the steering wheel on the large stationary equipment on the preschool playground was observed loose, causing a pinch point. Also on the preschool playground I observed a small plastic play house that the bench is broken off and you removed the door leaving two holes and the plastic is rough in those areas. I observed a torn ball on the toddler/two's playground (this was removed during the visit.) The fence covering on the infant/toddler playground is torn in two places. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Outdoors, I observed landscaping material sticking up in two places causing tripping hazards on the Toddler/Two's playground, and one place on the preschool playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space 107 I observed a Benadryl locked in a cabinet with no written permission to administer and an Auvi Q without written permission to administer. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A monthly playground inspection was not documented for the month of February 2024. .0605(q) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One staff did not have a current Health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One staff did not have an annual emergency information form on file. .0701(a) 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. One infant staff did not have proof of completing ITS-SIDS training within 3 years of last completion. The last training certificate on file states she completed the training on 1/5/2021. She stated she believed she completed the training in November 2023 but the training certificate could not be located. .1102(f) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. Four staff have do not have proof of receiving an EPR annual review since last review. Two staff last reviewed the plan on 4/5/22, one staff last reviewed on 6/27/22, and one staff last reviewed on 2/14/23. .0607(e) 1881 Over-the-counter medication was given which exceeded the amount and frequency of the dosage on the manufacturer's label. In Space 107, 3.75ml of Walgreen's Infant Pain and Fever reducer was administered on 12-7-23 to a child under 2 years of age. Written permission from the parent was on file, however the instructions on the Walgreen's Infant Pain and Fever Reducer states "Children under 2 ask a doctor", there was not written permission from a medical professional on file. .0803(4)(c ) Compliance Letter: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Bobbi Whitehead, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before April 3, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Medications: We reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0803. We both pulled up the rules on our laptops and I reviewed the requirement and I provided suggestions on implementation and we reviewed the permission forms found on the DCDEE website. I encourage medications be checked in by front office personnel to ensure you have accurate information, permission, appropriate signatures, dates and medical action plans if required obtained. Good Repair: We discussed what poor repair means. I provided some examples such as books with missing covers, torn pages, marking through words and pictures that cannot be repaired, interactive toys with dead batteries, puzzles missing pieces, toys with parts missing or broken off, balls deflated, etc. I encourage you to talk with staff about informing you when items are in poor repair and removing them immediately. If an item cannot be removed and is poor repair, you will need to make it inaccessible to children in care until it can be removed, repaired or replaced. Staff Files: Keeping the staff and training worksheet current and using it as a running document will assist you in maintaining compliance with staff files. You can color code the excel sheet to make items that are going to expire or need attention to stand out. I encourage you to put a process in place to review the document at least monthly. When a new staff is hired you should input the information on the staff and training worksheet on day 1. Nutrition: I reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0900 requirements with you, we specifically discussed the opt out option and parent preferences. If a parent chooses to opt out of the nutrition component of the program they are to bring all meals, snacks and drinks for their child while in your care and you will not provide anything to that child, except drinking water throughout the day. The food and drink the parent provides is not required to meet nutritional requirements when they have a signed opt out form on file and choose that option. If a parent hasn't opted out and provides food, if it does not meet the nutritional component then you are required to supply the nutritional component missing. If a parent has a preference in what they want their child to have or not have you must obtain the clear instructions in writing and you will add the information to the allergy list posted in the child's classroom. I provided you a resource to find EPR trainers in the area www.healthychildcare.unc.edu Record Retention: We reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .2318 regarding staff files. There are charts for children, staff and programs records to reference. Reminder: You need to follow up with DCDEE criminal record check unit regarding yours and the head pastor's qualifying letter, please let me know what you find out. Once you have the staff you are hiring on board, I am happy to be part of a staff meeting or provide technical assistance on rules you want to review. You will need to contact me to schedule. If you have any questions please contact me: Andrea Anderson 12233 Royal Castle Ct Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 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. 110-91 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/20/2024 Number Present: 126 Completed Date: 3/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 04:00 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 compliance of applicable child care requirements during the annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to monitor compliance today. I met with Bobbi Whitehead, Administrator, during today's visit. You were able to accompany me on today's walk through of the facility. During the walk through I observed group of children. During the visit I observed classroom play, lunch and rest. Supervision and staff/child ratio were maintained throughout the observation. Staff were observed seated with children reading books, encouraging or assisting in play and walking around the indoor environment monitoring play. One two year old was having a very hard morning and did not want anything to do with her classroom, the children or staff in the room. One of the teachers was able to hold her and tried soothing her and then walked with her in the hallway and outside as she calmed down. I heard nurturing tones used when staff spoke with children in care. Infants were observed having diapers changed, being bottle fed, resting and having visual safe sleep checks conducted, all found meeting compliance. While in one infant room I observed bottles not labeled and dated, one staff labeled and dated them in my presence. Medications were monitored today. I observed them stored properly but did observe violations regarding permission and administering, please see violation and technical assistance portion of this document. The outdoor environment was monitored, I observed a few violations and discussed them with you while outdoors. You have large play areas with a variety of gross motor material for children to utilize while outdoors on each playground. A sample of children's records were reviewed and found meeting compliance. I reviewed the staff and training worksheets against staff files today. One infant staff did not have proof of completing ITS/SIDS training, she believes she completed the training in November. Her training expired in January 2024. You had not updated your annual health questionnaire and emergency information, but did in my presence today. You will be completing EPR training by May 12, 2024 and will update the EPR plan in the Risk Management Portal and review with all staff at that time. Program records were reviewed, you did not complete a monthly playground inspection for February 2024. The incident log and emergency drill log was reviewed and found meeting compliance. Information required to be posted was observed posted in the facility. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 17, 2023. You did not have a copy of the inspection, so I emailed it to you during the visit. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 11-21-23. You provide transportation and requirements were found meeting compliance today. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In Space 117 I observed 2 infant's bottles not dated and one infant's not labeled or dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 541 The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. More than half of the feeding schedules in space 115 and Space 117 were not signed and dated by the parent. .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Four feeding schedules in Space 7 were not modified to describe infant's current eating habits. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Indoors I observed torn books, missing covers and pages in Space 105. Outdoors the steering wheel on the large stationary equipment on the preschool playground was observed loose, causing a pinch point. Also on the preschool playground I observed a small plastic play house that the bench is broken off and you removed the door leaving two holes and the plastic is rough in those areas. I observed a torn ball on the toddler/two's playground (this was removed during the visit.) The fence covering on the infant/toddler playground is torn in two places. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Outdoors, I observed landscaping material sticking up in two places causing tripping hazards on the Toddler/Two's playground, and one place on the preschool playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space 107 I observed a Benadryl locked in a cabinet with no written permission to administer and an Auvi Q without written permission to administer. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A monthly playground inspection was not documented for the month of February 2024. .0605(q) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One staff did not have a current Health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One staff did not have an annual emergency information form on file. .0701(a) 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. One infant staff did not have proof of completing ITS-SIDS training within 3 years of last completion. The last training certificate on file states she completed the training on 1/5/2021. She stated she believed she completed the training in November 2023 but the training certificate could not be located. .1102(f) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. Four staff have do not have proof of receiving an EPR annual review since last review. Two staff last reviewed the plan on 4/5/22, one staff last reviewed on 6/27/22, and one staff last reviewed on 2/14/23. .0607(e) 1881 Over-the-counter medication was given which exceeded the amount and frequency of the dosage on the manufacturer's label. In Space 107, 3.75ml of Walgreen's Infant Pain and Fever reducer was administered on 12-7-23 to a child under 2 years of age. Written permission from the parent was on file, however the instructions on the Walgreen's Infant Pain and Fever Reducer states "Children under 2 ask a doctor", there was not written permission from a medical professional on file. .0803(4)(c ) Compliance Letter: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Bobbi Whitehead, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before April 3, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Medications: We reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0803. We both pulled up the rules on our laptops and I reviewed the requirement and I provided suggestions on implementation and we reviewed the permission forms found on the DCDEE website. I encourage medications be checked in by front office personnel to ensure you have accurate information, permission, appropriate signatures, dates and medical action plans if required obtained. Good Repair: We discussed what poor repair means. I provided some examples such as books with missing covers, torn pages, marking through words and pictures that cannot be repaired, interactive toys with dead batteries, puzzles missing pieces, toys with parts missing or broken off, balls deflated, etc. I encourage you to talk with staff about informing you when items are in poor repair and removing them immediately. If an item cannot be removed and is poor repair, you will need to make it inaccessible to children in care until it can be removed, repaired or replaced. Staff Files: Keeping the staff and training worksheet current and using it as a running document will assist you in maintaining compliance with staff files. You can color code the excel sheet to make items that are going to expire or need attention to stand out. I encourage you to put a process in place to review the document at least monthly. When a new staff is hired you should input the information on the staff and training worksheet on day 1. Nutrition: I reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0900 requirements with you, we specifically discussed the opt out option and parent preferences. If a parent chooses to opt out of the nutrition component of the program they are to bring all meals, snacks and drinks for their child while in your care and you will not provide anything to that child, except drinking water throughout the day. The food and drink the parent provides is not required to meet nutritional requirements when they have a signed opt out form on file and choose that option. If a parent hasn't opted out and provides food, if it does not meet the nutritional component then you are required to supply the nutritional component missing. If a parent has a preference in what they want their child to have or not have you must obtain the clear instructions in writing and you will add the information to the allergy list posted in the child's classroom. I provided you a resource to find EPR trainers in the area www.healthychildcare.unc.edu Record Retention: We reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .2318 regarding staff files. There are charts for children, staff and programs records to reference. Reminder: You need to follow up with DCDEE criminal record check unit regarding yours and the head pastor's qualifying letter, please let me know what you find out. Once you have the staff you are hiring on board, I am happy to be part of a staff meeting or provide technical assistance on rules you want to review. You will need to contact me to schedule. If you have any questions please contact me: Andrea Anderson 12233 Royal Castle Ct Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 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 .0607 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0224-008L Visit Date: 2/6/2024 Number Present: 132 Completed Date: 2/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 325 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. Upon my arrival I was informed of an administration change. I met with Bobbi Whitehead, Interim Administrator. I explained the purpose of today's visit and we went to her office to discuss the allegations. After discussing the allegations I observed in a few classrooms, and spoke to several staff regarding the allegations. It was reported that 131 children ranging age of 0-5 years were present today. Allegation: There are concerns that: Some volunteers counted in the ratio do not have valid qualification letters. They are allowed to take the children to the restrooms and be with them one on one. Soiled diapers are not changed as required. Findings: Some volunteers counted in the ratio do not have valid qualification letters. They are allowed to take the children to the restrooms and be with them one on one. You explained that you had an administrative change in Mid-January 2024 and when you announced the change you scheduled a parent meeting. During the parent meeting the concern regarding volunteers was brought up and addressed. You explained you do not use substitutes, but do have new staff that may be unfamiliar to some of the parents. Today you explained that you do not use volunteers or church members in the licensed child care program. You do have part time staff and/or floaters that work in several different classrooms based on the need. Some of them were newer staff and you have recently used one of the child care cooks to cover in a classroom. You provided their files for all staff mentioned. I reviewed their current DCDEE qualifying letters, verified they have CPR/FA certification and ITS/SIDS training. I also reviewed their medical file. All part time staff/floaters and the cook have all required information on file. No person has been left alone with children or take children to the restroom that are not qualified to work in the licensed child care. The head pastor and you, the interim director, do not have a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file. Your DCDEE qualifying letter expired on 2/1/2024, you completed the DCDEE criminal background application packet in December 2023 and currently waiting on the response. I checked the database and can see where your information was received in December 2023 and is still in process. I encouraged you to contact DCDEE criminal record unit to inquire about your qualification. The head pastor does not have a DCDEE qualifying letter or previous qualification. I explained that the Church owns the facility, therefor the Head Pastor is required to maintain a current DCDEE qualifying letter. You spoke with him today and he stated he would complete anything required immediately. He is not housed in the child care portion of the church, There is a church side that is not licensed approved space, his office is housed in another portion of the Church. During today's observation I spoke with several staff members and asked about substitutes. All staff reported that floaters cover in classrooms. I asked if any church personnel or members have substituted and all staff interviewed stated no, only hired floaters or other staff qualified to work in the licensed center cover when needed. Your DCDEE qualifying letter expired on 2/1/2024, you were previously qualified on 2/1/2019. You submitted the criminal record check through the portal on 12/16/23. During today's visit you contacted the DCDEE criminal record check unit to see what the issue was concerning your qualifying letter. You were informed that one portion of the SC check was not uploaded to the portal and that is why you haven't received your Provisional Qualifying letter. Once that information was uploaded the process should go quickly to obtain the full qualifying letter. You were informed if you uploaded that information today you would receive the provisional qualifying letter today. You stated you were not aware of receiving an email explaining you were missing information. The DCDEE criminal record check unit staff member provided you two email addresses the information would have been sent to you from, to double check and will note that for future reference in case any other staff members runs into issues in the future. You informed me that prior to 2/1/24 you had covered briefly in classrooms, your qualifying letter was valid. The pastor has not and does not work in the child care at all. You stated that when the administration changed you and the Head Pastor remained in the lobby to greet families. Based on the discussion with you, review of staff files, and staff interviews this allegation is unsubstantiated. Only person qualified to work in the licensed space have been working in the child care. Soiled diapers are not changed as required. During today's observations I observed diaper changes, interviewed staff who care for children that need diapers/pull ups changed, and I reviewed the children's daily record. Staff reported they change the children every 2 hours and when soiled/wet between the 2 hour time frame. I was provided the tablets where children's daily information is documented. Based on review in Space 1, 117 and 119 children weren't changed within the two hour time period. For example one infant was changed at 9:00 and went to lunch at 11:15 and was not checked or changed. I was in the room at 11:45 and they were just changing children's diapers. One infant was changed at 8:07 and began a nap at 10:14 and was not changed/checked prior to being placed in the crib for nap. Diapers need to be changed when soiled/wet and not a shift basis. Based on the staff interview they change children every two hours, which is considered a shift basis. During the interview and discussion with staff, I encourage them to check diapers/pullups regularly throughout the day, between diaper changes, prior to rest time and when waking from nap, to ensure children are not sitting in wet or soiled diapers and I encourage a diaper changing log to help staff keep track of each child's last diaper checked/change. Based on today's staff interviews and review of diaper change documentation this allegation is substantiated. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 401 Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis. Diaper changing is occurring on a shift basis, staff report they change diapers every two hours or when soiled/wet between the 2 hour time period. Based on the infant/toddler daily sheets reviewed today infants were not changed prior to nap or waking up from nap and it had been more than 2 hours from their last noted diaper change. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The head pastor has not completed the criminal background check. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. The interim Director and the Head Pastor Michael do not have a valid qualifying letters on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Compliance Letter: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Bobbi Whitehead, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before February 20, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance: Diaper changes: We discussed adding a diaper change policy/procedure in writing for staff to review and follow. You stated you liked the idea of having a diaper changing log or tracking system in place (other than the tablet daily information) where staff will keep track of each child's last diaper change/check, this will be visible to staff in the classroom to regularly check to ensure they are regularly checking children throughout the day and not changing them on a 2 hour timeframe. You are going to be speaking with staff that work with children who required diaper checks/changes, and come up with a policy or procedure. I encourage you to add the actual child care requirement and sanitation diaper changing procedure in your policy/procedure and ensure each classroom had the diapering procedure posted. There is potty training resource on Mecklenburg County Environmental Health's website, I encourage you to post in any classroom that assists children with potty training. The website is https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/lodging-child-care-institutions Criminal Record Checks: I explained the Head Pastor of the Church must maintain a current DCDEE qualifying letter. You will inform the Elder Board that if the Head Pastor is to change the new head pastor would be required to obtain a DCDEE qualifying letter prior to employment. You made note of the email address and phone number for the DCDEE criminal record check unit, to contact for further questions or if in the future an issue arises. Provisional qualifying letters are valid for 45 days, staff with provisional qualifying letters cannot be left alone to care for children and must work with a staff that has a full DCDEE qualifying letter. They will need to regularly check the DCDEE portal and provide you the full qualifying letter upon receipt. Substitutes: You stated you are interested in working with a substitute agency, I encourage you to review the child care requirements regarding substitutes. I discussed requirements found in 10A NCAC 09 .0700, 0703 (that apply to your facility, you are exempt from meeting 10A NCAC 09 .0703 (c-f), 10A NCAC 09 .0607(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1102 (you are exempt from child care requirement 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a)(b)(e)(g). I asked if you had additional questions, you asked about the staff and training worksheets, we looked at and discussed the document and I provided suggestions on how to use it at a running document to help you maintain compliance with staff records. I encourage you to keep the form in excel format on your computer and review it regularly to ensure nothing required expires. M Stewart, Head Pastor cannot be in the licensed child care until he obtains a DCDEE qualifying letter. His office is in the Church portion on campus and is not in the licensed child care space. You, B. Whitehead, have 15 days to obtain a DCDEE qualifying letter. If one is not received at that time, you will not be able to return to work until it is obtained. Administrative Action: I will discuss this visit with my supervisor and discuss the possibility of issuing an administrative action based on the substantiation of an allegation. I will discuss the process/procedures you plan to implement with her to determine if action is needed. I will be contact to let you know. If you have questions, feel free to reach out, i provided you my business card today. I can be reached at: Andrea Anderson 12233 Royal Castle Ct. Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0700 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0224-008L Visit Date: 2/6/2024 Number Present: 132 Completed Date: 2/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 325 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. Upon my arrival I was informed of an administration change. I met with Bobbi Whitehead, Interim Administrator. I explained the purpose of today's visit and we went to her office to discuss the allegations. After discussing the allegations I observed in a few classrooms, and spoke to several staff regarding the allegations. It was reported that 131 children ranging age of 0-5 years were present today. Allegation: There are concerns that: Some volunteers counted in the ratio do not have valid qualification letters. They are allowed to take the children to the restrooms and be with them one on one. Soiled diapers are not changed as required. Findings: Some volunteers counted in the ratio do not have valid qualification letters. They are allowed to take the children to the restrooms and be with them one on one. You explained that you had an administrative change in Mid-January 2024 and when you announced the change you scheduled a parent meeting. During the parent meeting the concern regarding volunteers was brought up and addressed. You explained you do not use substitutes, but do have new staff that may be unfamiliar to some of the parents. Today you explained that you do not use volunteers or church members in the licensed child care program. You do have part time staff and/or floaters that work in several different classrooms based on the need. Some of them were newer staff and you have recently used one of the child care cooks to cover in a classroom. You provided their files for all staff mentioned. I reviewed their current DCDEE qualifying letters, verified they have CPR/FA certification and ITS/SIDS training. I also reviewed their medical file. All part time staff/floaters and the cook have all required information on file. No person has been left alone with children or take children to the restroom that are not qualified to work in the licensed child care. The head pastor and you, the interim director, do not have a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file. Your DCDEE qualifying letter expired on 2/1/2024, you completed the DCDEE criminal background application packet in December 2023 and currently waiting on the response. I checked the database and can see where your information was received in December 2023 and is still in process. I encouraged you to contact DCDEE criminal record unit to inquire about your qualification. The head pastor does not have a DCDEE qualifying letter or previous qualification. I explained that the Church owns the facility, therefor the Head Pastor is required to maintain a current DCDEE qualifying letter. You spoke with him today and he stated he would complete anything required immediately. He is not housed in the child care portion of the church, There is a church side that is not licensed approved space, his office is housed in another portion of the Church. During today's observation I spoke with several staff members and asked about substitutes. All staff reported that floaters cover in classrooms. I asked if any church personnel or members have substituted and all staff interviewed stated no, only hired floaters or other staff qualified to work in the licensed center cover when needed. Your DCDEE qualifying letter expired on 2/1/2024, you were previously qualified on 2/1/2019. You submitted the criminal record check through the portal on 12/16/23. During today's visit you contacted the DCDEE criminal record check unit to see what the issue was concerning your qualifying letter. You were informed that one portion of the SC check was not uploaded to the portal and that is why you haven't received your Provisional Qualifying letter. Once that information was uploaded the process should go quickly to obtain the full qualifying letter. You were informed if you uploaded that information today you would receive the provisional qualifying letter today. You stated you were not aware of receiving an email explaining you were missing information. The DCDEE criminal record check unit staff member provided you two email addresses the information would have been sent to you from, to double check and will note that for future reference in case any other staff members runs into issues in the future. You informed me that prior to 2/1/24 you had covered briefly in classrooms, your qualifying letter was valid. The pastor has not and does not work in the child care at all. You stated that when the administration changed you and the Head Pastor remained in the lobby to greet families. Based on the discussion with you, review of staff files, and staff interviews this allegation is unsubstantiated. Only person qualified to work in the licensed space have been working in the child care. Soiled diapers are not changed as required. During today's observations I observed diaper changes, interviewed staff who care for children that need diapers/pull ups changed, and I reviewed the children's daily record. Staff reported they change the children every 2 hours and when soiled/wet between the 2 hour time frame. I was provided the tablets where children's daily information is documented. Based on review in Space 1, 117 and 119 children weren't changed within the two hour time period. For example one infant was changed at 9:00 and went to lunch at 11:15 and was not checked or changed. I was in the room at 11:45 and they were just changing children's diapers. One infant was changed at 8:07 and began a nap at 10:14 and was not changed/checked prior to being placed in the crib for nap. Diapers need to be changed when soiled/wet and not a shift basis. Based on the staff interview they change children every two hours, which is considered a shift basis. During the interview and discussion with staff, I encourage them to check diapers/pullups regularly throughout the day, between diaper changes, prior to rest time and when waking from nap, to ensure children are not sitting in wet or soiled diapers and I encourage a diaper changing log to help staff keep track of each child's last diaper checked/change. Based on today's staff interviews and review of diaper change documentation this allegation is substantiated. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 401 Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis. Diaper changing is occurring on a shift basis, staff report they change diapers every two hours or when soiled/wet between the 2 hour time period. Based on the infant/toddler daily sheets reviewed today infants were not changed prior to nap or waking up from nap and it had been more than 2 hours from their last noted diaper change. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The head pastor has not completed the criminal background check. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. The interim Director and the Head Pastor Michael do not have a valid qualifying letters on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Compliance Letter: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Bobbi Whitehead, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before February 20, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance: Diaper changes: We discussed adding a diaper change policy/procedure in writing for staff to review and follow. You stated you liked the idea of having a diaper changing log or tracking system in place (other than the tablet daily information) where staff will keep track of each child's last diaper change/check, this will be visible to staff in the classroom to regularly check to ensure they are regularly checking children throughout the day and not changing them on a 2 hour timeframe. You are going to be speaking with staff that work with children who required diaper checks/changes, and come up with a policy or procedure. I encourage you to add the actual child care requirement and sanitation diaper changing procedure in your policy/procedure and ensure each classroom had the diapering procedure posted. There is potty training resource on Mecklenburg County Environmental Health's website, I encourage you to post in any classroom that assists children with potty training. The website is https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/lodging-child-care-institutions Criminal Record Checks: I explained the Head Pastor of the Church must maintain a current DCDEE qualifying letter. You will inform the Elder Board that if the Head Pastor is to change the new head pastor would be required to obtain a DCDEE qualifying letter prior to employment. You made note of the email address and phone number for the DCDEE criminal record check unit, to contact for further questions or if in the future an issue arises. Provisional qualifying letters are valid for 45 days, staff with provisional qualifying letters cannot be left alone to care for children and must work with a staff that has a full DCDEE qualifying letter. They will need to regularly check the DCDEE portal and provide you the full qualifying letter upon receipt. Substitutes: You stated you are interested in working with a substitute agency, I encourage you to review the child care requirements regarding substitutes. I discussed requirements found in 10A NCAC 09 .0700, 0703 (that apply to your facility, you are exempt from meeting 10A NCAC 09 .0703 (c-f), 10A NCAC 09 .0607(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1102 (you are exempt from child care requirement 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a)(b)(e)(g). I asked if you had additional questions, you asked about the staff and training worksheets, we looked at and discussed the document and I provided suggestions on how to use it at a running document to help you maintain compliance with staff records. I encourage you to keep the form in excel format on your computer and review it regularly to ensure nothing required expires. M Stewart, Head Pastor cannot be in the licensed child care until he obtains a DCDEE qualifying letter. His office is in the Church portion on campus and is not in the licensed child care space. You, B. Whitehead, have 15 days to obtain a DCDEE qualifying letter. If one is not received at that time, you will not be able to return to work until it is obtained. Administrative Action: I will discuss this visit with my supervisor and discuss the possibility of issuing an administrative action based on the substantiation of an allegation. I will discuss the process/procedures you plan to implement with her to determine if action is needed. I will be contact to let you know. If you have questions, feel free to reach out, i provided you my business card today. I can be reached at: Andrea Anderson 12233 Royal Castle Ct. Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 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 .0703 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0224-008L Visit Date: 2/6/2024 Number Present: 132 Completed Date: 2/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 325 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. Upon my arrival I was informed of an administration change. I met with Bobbi Whitehead, Interim Administrator. I explained the purpose of today's visit and we went to her office to discuss the allegations. After discussing the allegations I observed in a few classrooms, and spoke to several staff regarding the allegations. It was reported that 131 children ranging age of 0-5 years were present today. Allegation: There are concerns that: Some volunteers counted in the ratio do not have valid qualification letters. They are allowed to take the children to the restrooms and be with them one on one. Soiled diapers are not changed as required. Findings: Some volunteers counted in the ratio do not have valid qualification letters. They are allowed to take the children to the restrooms and be with them one on one. You explained that you had an administrative change in Mid-January 2024 and when you announced the change you scheduled a parent meeting. During the parent meeting the concern regarding volunteers was brought up and addressed. You explained you do not use substitutes, but do have new staff that may be unfamiliar to some of the parents. Today you explained that you do not use volunteers or church members in the licensed child care program. You do have part time staff and/or floaters that work in several different classrooms based on the need. Some of them were newer staff and you have recently used one of the child care cooks to cover in a classroom. You provided their files for all staff mentioned. I reviewed their current DCDEE qualifying letters, verified they have CPR/FA certification and ITS/SIDS training. I also reviewed their medical file. All part time staff/floaters and the cook have all required information on file. No person has been left alone with children or take children to the restroom that are not qualified to work in the licensed child care. The head pastor and you, the interim director, do not have a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file. Your DCDEE qualifying letter expired on 2/1/2024, you completed the DCDEE criminal background application packet in December 2023 and currently waiting on the response. I checked the database and can see where your information was received in December 2023 and is still in process. I encouraged you to contact DCDEE criminal record unit to inquire about your qualification. The head pastor does not have a DCDEE qualifying letter or previous qualification. I explained that the Church owns the facility, therefor the Head Pastor is required to maintain a current DCDEE qualifying letter. You spoke with him today and he stated he would complete anything required immediately. He is not housed in the child care portion of the church, There is a church side that is not licensed approved space, his office is housed in another portion of the Church. During today's observation I spoke with several staff members and asked about substitutes. All staff reported that floaters cover in classrooms. I asked if any church personnel or members have substituted and all staff interviewed stated no, only hired floaters or other staff qualified to work in the licensed center cover when needed. Your DCDEE qualifying letter expired on 2/1/2024, you were previously qualified on 2/1/2019. You submitted the criminal record check through the portal on 12/16/23. During today's visit you contacted the DCDEE criminal record check unit to see what the issue was concerning your qualifying letter. You were informed that one portion of the SC check was not uploaded to the portal and that is why you haven't received your Provisional Qualifying letter. Once that information was uploaded the process should go quickly to obtain the full qualifying letter. You were informed if you uploaded that information today you would receive the provisional qualifying letter today. You stated you were not aware of receiving an email explaining you were missing information. The DCDEE criminal record check unit staff member provided you two email addresses the information would have been sent to you from, to double check and will note that for future reference in case any other staff members runs into issues in the future. You informed me that prior to 2/1/24 you had covered briefly in classrooms, your qualifying letter was valid. The pastor has not and does not work in the child care at all. You stated that when the administration changed you and the Head Pastor remained in the lobby to greet families. Based on the discussion with you, review of staff files, and staff interviews this allegation is unsubstantiated. Only person qualified to work in the licensed space have been working in the child care. Soiled diapers are not changed as required. During today's observations I observed diaper changes, interviewed staff who care for children that need diapers/pull ups changed, and I reviewed the children's daily record. Staff reported they change the children every 2 hours and when soiled/wet between the 2 hour time frame. I was provided the tablets where children's daily information is documented. Based on review in Space 1, 117 and 119 children weren't changed within the two hour time period. For example one infant was changed at 9:00 and went to lunch at 11:15 and was not checked or changed. I was in the room at 11:45 and they were just changing children's diapers. One infant was changed at 8:07 and began a nap at 10:14 and was not changed/checked prior to being placed in the crib for nap. Diapers need to be changed when soiled/wet and not a shift basis. Based on the staff interview they change children every two hours, which is considered a shift basis. During the interview and discussion with staff, I encourage them to check diapers/pullups regularly throughout the day, between diaper changes, prior to rest time and when waking from nap, to ensure children are not sitting in wet or soiled diapers and I encourage a diaper changing log to help staff keep track of each child's last diaper checked/change. Based on today's staff interviews and review of diaper change documentation this allegation is substantiated. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 401 Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis. Diaper changing is occurring on a shift basis, staff report they change diapers every two hours or when soiled/wet between the 2 hour time period. Based on the infant/toddler daily sheets reviewed today infants were not changed prior to nap or waking up from nap and it had been more than 2 hours from their last noted diaper change. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The head pastor has not completed the criminal background check. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. The interim Director and the Head Pastor Michael do not have a valid qualifying letters on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Compliance Letter: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Bobbi Whitehead, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before February 20, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance: Diaper changes: We discussed adding a diaper change policy/procedure in writing for staff to review and follow. You stated you liked the idea of having a diaper changing log or tracking system in place (other than the tablet daily information) where staff will keep track of each child's last diaper change/check, this will be visible to staff in the classroom to regularly check to ensure they are regularly checking children throughout the day and not changing them on a 2 hour timeframe. You are going to be speaking with staff that work with children who required diaper checks/changes, and come up with a policy or procedure. I encourage you to add the actual child care requirement and sanitation diaper changing procedure in your policy/procedure and ensure each classroom had the diapering procedure posted. There is potty training resource on Mecklenburg County Environmental Health's website, I encourage you to post in any classroom that assists children with potty training. The website is https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/lodging-child-care-institutions Criminal Record Checks: I explained the Head Pastor of the Church must maintain a current DCDEE qualifying letter. You will inform the Elder Board that if the Head Pastor is to change the new head pastor would be required to obtain a DCDEE qualifying letter prior to employment. You made note of the email address and phone number for the DCDEE criminal record check unit, to contact for further questions or if in the future an issue arises. Provisional qualifying letters are valid for 45 days, staff with provisional qualifying letters cannot be left alone to care for children and must work with a staff that has a full DCDEE qualifying letter. They will need to regularly check the DCDEE portal and provide you the full qualifying letter upon receipt. Substitutes: You stated you are interested in working with a substitute agency, I encourage you to review the child care requirements regarding substitutes. I discussed requirements found in 10A NCAC 09 .0700, 0703 (that apply to your facility, you are exempt from meeting 10A NCAC 09 .0703 (c-f), 10A NCAC 09 .0607(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1102 (you are exempt from child care requirement 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a)(b)(e)(g). I asked if you had additional questions, you asked about the staff and training worksheets, we looked at and discussed the document and I provided suggestions on how to use it at a running document to help you maintain compliance with staff records. I encourage you to keep the form in excel format on your computer and review it regularly to ensure nothing required expires. M Stewart, Head Pastor cannot be in the licensed child care until he obtains a DCDEE qualifying letter. His office is in the Church portion on campus and is not in the licensed child care space. You, B. Whitehead, have 15 days to obtain a DCDEE qualifying letter. If one is not received at that time, you will not be able to return to work until it is obtained. Administrative Action: I will discuss this visit with my supervisor and discuss the possibility of issuing an administrative action based on the substantiation of an allegation. I will discuss the process/procedures you plan to implement with her to determine if action is needed. I will be contact to let you know. If you have questions, feel free to reach out, i provided you my business card today. I can be reached at: Andrea Anderson 12233 Royal Castle Ct. Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 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 .0806 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0224-008L Visit Date: 2/6/2024 Number Present: 132 Completed Date: 2/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 325 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. Upon my arrival I was informed of an administration change. I met with Bobbi Whitehead, Interim Administrator. I explained the purpose of today's visit and we went to her office to discuss the allegations. After discussing the allegations I observed in a few classrooms, and spoke to several staff regarding the allegations. It was reported that 131 children ranging age of 0-5 years were present today. Allegation: There are concerns that: Some volunteers counted in the ratio do not have valid qualification letters. They are allowed to take the children to the restrooms and be with them one on one. Soiled diapers are not changed as required. Findings: Some volunteers counted in the ratio do not have valid qualification letters. They are allowed to take the children to the restrooms and be with them one on one. You explained that you had an administrative change in Mid-January 2024 and when you announced the change you scheduled a parent meeting. During the parent meeting the concern regarding volunteers was brought up and addressed. You explained you do not use substitutes, but do have new staff that may be unfamiliar to some of the parents. Today you explained that you do not use volunteers or church members in the licensed child care program. You do have part time staff and/or floaters that work in several different classrooms based on the need. Some of them were newer staff and you have recently used one of the child care cooks to cover in a classroom. You provided their files for all staff mentioned. I reviewed their current DCDEE qualifying letters, verified they have CPR/FA certification and ITS/SIDS training. I also reviewed their medical file. All part time staff/floaters and the cook have all required information on file. No person has been left alone with children or take children to the restroom that are not qualified to work in the licensed child care. The head pastor and you, the interim director, do not have a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file. Your DCDEE qualifying letter expired on 2/1/2024, you completed the DCDEE criminal background application packet in December 2023 and currently waiting on the response. I checked the database and can see where your information was received in December 2023 and is still in process. I encouraged you to contact DCDEE criminal record unit to inquire about your qualification. The head pastor does not have a DCDEE qualifying letter or previous qualification. I explained that the Church owns the facility, therefor the Head Pastor is required to maintain a current DCDEE qualifying letter. You spoke with him today and he stated he would complete anything required immediately. He is not housed in the child care portion of the church, There is a church side that is not licensed approved space, his office is housed in another portion of the Church. During today's observation I spoke with several staff members and asked about substitutes. All staff reported that floaters cover in classrooms. I asked if any church personnel or members have substituted and all staff interviewed stated no, only hired floaters or other staff qualified to work in the licensed center cover when needed. Your DCDEE qualifying letter expired on 2/1/2024, you were previously qualified on 2/1/2019. You submitted the criminal record check through the portal on 12/16/23. During today's visit you contacted the DCDEE criminal record check unit to see what the issue was concerning your qualifying letter. You were informed that one portion of the SC check was not uploaded to the portal and that is why you haven't received your Provisional Qualifying letter. Once that information was uploaded the process should go quickly to obtain the full qualifying letter. You were informed if you uploaded that information today you would receive the provisional qualifying letter today. You stated you were not aware of receiving an email explaining you were missing information. The DCDEE criminal record check unit staff member provided you two email addresses the information would have been sent to you from, to double check and will note that for future reference in case any other staff members runs into issues in the future. You informed me that prior to 2/1/24 you had covered briefly in classrooms, your qualifying letter was valid. The pastor has not and does not work in the child care at all. You stated that when the administration changed you and the Head Pastor remained in the lobby to greet families. Based on the discussion with you, review of staff files, and staff interviews this allegation is unsubstantiated. Only person qualified to work in the licensed space have been working in the child care. Soiled diapers are not changed as required. During today's observations I observed diaper changes, interviewed staff who care for children that need diapers/pull ups changed, and I reviewed the children's daily record. Staff reported they change the children every 2 hours and when soiled/wet between the 2 hour time frame. I was provided the tablets where children's daily information is documented. Based on review in Space 1, 117 and 119 children weren't changed within the two hour time period. For example one infant was changed at 9:00 and went to lunch at 11:15 and was not checked or changed. I was in the room at 11:45 and they were just changing children's diapers. One infant was changed at 8:07 and began a nap at 10:14 and was not changed/checked prior to being placed in the crib for nap. Diapers need to be changed when soiled/wet and not a shift basis. Based on the staff interview they change children every two hours, which is considered a shift basis. During the interview and discussion with staff, I encourage them to check diapers/pullups regularly throughout the day, between diaper changes, prior to rest time and when waking from nap, to ensure children are not sitting in wet or soiled diapers and I encourage a diaper changing log to help staff keep track of each child's last diaper checked/change. Based on today's staff interviews and review of diaper change documentation this allegation is substantiated. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 401 Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis. Diaper changing is occurring on a shift basis, staff report they change diapers every two hours or when soiled/wet between the 2 hour time period. Based on the infant/toddler daily sheets reviewed today infants were not changed prior to nap or waking up from nap and it had been more than 2 hours from their last noted diaper change. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The head pastor has not completed the criminal background check. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. The interim Director and the Head Pastor Michael do not have a valid qualifying letters on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Compliance Letter: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Bobbi Whitehead, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before February 20, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance: Diaper changes: We discussed adding a diaper change policy/procedure in writing for staff to review and follow. You stated you liked the idea of having a diaper changing log or tracking system in place (other than the tablet daily information) where staff will keep track of each child's last diaper change/check, this will be visible to staff in the classroom to regularly check to ensure they are regularly checking children throughout the day and not changing them on a 2 hour timeframe. You are going to be speaking with staff that work with children who required diaper checks/changes, and come up with a policy or procedure. I encourage you to add the actual child care requirement and sanitation diaper changing procedure in your policy/procedure and ensure each classroom had the diapering procedure posted. There is potty training resource on Mecklenburg County Environmental Health's website, I encourage you to post in any classroom that assists children with potty training. The website is https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/lodging-child-care-institutions Criminal Record Checks: I explained the Head Pastor of the Church must maintain a current DCDEE qualifying letter. You will inform the Elder Board that if the Head Pastor is to change the new head pastor would be required to obtain a DCDEE qualifying letter prior to employment. You made note of the email address and phone number for the DCDEE criminal record check unit, to contact for further questions or if in the future an issue arises. Provisional qualifying letters are valid for 45 days, staff with provisional qualifying letters cannot be left alone to care for children and must work with a staff that has a full DCDEE qualifying letter. They will need to regularly check the DCDEE portal and provide you the full qualifying letter upon receipt. Substitutes: You stated you are interested in working with a substitute agency, I encourage you to review the child care requirements regarding substitutes. I discussed requirements found in 10A NCAC 09 .0700, 0703 (that apply to your facility, you are exempt from meeting 10A NCAC 09 .0703 (c-f), 10A NCAC 09 .0607(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1102 (you are exempt from child care requirement 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a)(b)(e)(g). I asked if you had additional questions, you asked about the staff and training worksheets, we looked at and discussed the document and I provided suggestions on how to use it at a running document to help you maintain compliance with staff records. I encourage you to keep the form in excel format on your computer and review it regularly to ensure nothing required expires. M Stewart, Head Pastor cannot be in the licensed child care until he obtains a DCDEE qualifying letter. His office is in the Church portion on campus and is not in the licensed child care space. You, B. Whitehead, have 15 days to obtain a DCDEE qualifying letter. If one is not received at that time, you will not be able to return to work until it is obtained. Administrative Action: I will discuss this visit with my supervisor and discuss the possibility of issuing an administrative action based on the substantiation of an allegation. I will discuss the process/procedures you plan to implement with her to determine if action is needed. I will be contact to let you know. If you have questions, feel free to reach out, i provided you my business card today. I can be reached at: Andrea Anderson 12233 Royal Castle Ct. Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 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 .1102 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0224-008L Visit Date: 2/6/2024 Number Present: 132 Completed Date: 2/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 325 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. Upon my arrival I was informed of an administration change. I met with Bobbi Whitehead, Interim Administrator. I explained the purpose of today's visit and we went to her office to discuss the allegations. After discussing the allegations I observed in a few classrooms, and spoke to several staff regarding the allegations. It was reported that 131 children ranging age of 0-5 years were present today. Allegation: There are concerns that: Some volunteers counted in the ratio do not have valid qualification letters. They are allowed to take the children to the restrooms and be with them one on one. Soiled diapers are not changed as required. Findings: Some volunteers counted in the ratio do not have valid qualification letters. They are allowed to take the children to the restrooms and be with them one on one. You explained that you had an administrative change in Mid-January 2024 and when you announced the change you scheduled a parent meeting. During the parent meeting the concern regarding volunteers was brought up and addressed. You explained you do not use substitutes, but do have new staff that may be unfamiliar to some of the parents. Today you explained that you do not use volunteers or church members in the licensed child care program. You do have part time staff and/or floaters that work in several different classrooms based on the need. Some of them were newer staff and you have recently used one of the child care cooks to cover in a classroom. You provided their files for all staff mentioned. I reviewed their current DCDEE qualifying letters, verified they have CPR/FA certification and ITS/SIDS training. I also reviewed their medical file. All part time staff/floaters and the cook have all required information on file. No person has been left alone with children or take children to the restroom that are not qualified to work in the licensed child care. The head pastor and you, the interim director, do not have a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file. Your DCDEE qualifying letter expired on 2/1/2024, you completed the DCDEE criminal background application packet in December 2023 and currently waiting on the response. I checked the database and can see where your information was received in December 2023 and is still in process. I encouraged you to contact DCDEE criminal record unit to inquire about your qualification. The head pastor does not have a DCDEE qualifying letter or previous qualification. I explained that the Church owns the facility, therefor the Head Pastor is required to maintain a current DCDEE qualifying letter. You spoke with him today and he stated he would complete anything required immediately. He is not housed in the child care portion of the church, There is a church side that is not licensed approved space, his office is housed in another portion of the Church. During today's observation I spoke with several staff members and asked about substitutes. All staff reported that floaters cover in classrooms. I asked if any church personnel or members have substituted and all staff interviewed stated no, only hired floaters or other staff qualified to work in the licensed center cover when needed. Your DCDEE qualifying letter expired on 2/1/2024, you were previously qualified on 2/1/2019. You submitted the criminal record check through the portal on 12/16/23. During today's visit you contacted the DCDEE criminal record check unit to see what the issue was concerning your qualifying letter. You were informed that one portion of the SC check was not uploaded to the portal and that is why you haven't received your Provisional Qualifying letter. Once that information was uploaded the process should go quickly to obtain the full qualifying letter. You were informed if you uploaded that information today you would receive the provisional qualifying letter today. You stated you were not aware of receiving an email explaining you were missing information. The DCDEE criminal record check unit staff member provided you two email addresses the information would have been sent to you from, to double check and will note that for future reference in case any other staff members runs into issues in the future. You informed me that prior to 2/1/24 you had covered briefly in classrooms, your qualifying letter was valid. The pastor has not and does not work in the child care at all. You stated that when the administration changed you and the Head Pastor remained in the lobby to greet families. Based on the discussion with you, review of staff files, and staff interviews this allegation is unsubstantiated. Only person qualified to work in the licensed space have been working in the child care. Soiled diapers are not changed as required. During today's observations I observed diaper changes, interviewed staff who care for children that need diapers/pull ups changed, and I reviewed the children's daily record. Staff reported they change the children every 2 hours and when soiled/wet between the 2 hour time frame. I was provided the tablets where children's daily information is documented. Based on review in Space 1, 117 and 119 children weren't changed within the two hour time period. For example one infant was changed at 9:00 and went to lunch at 11:15 and was not checked or changed. I was in the room at 11:45 and they were just changing children's diapers. One infant was changed at 8:07 and began a nap at 10:14 and was not changed/checked prior to being placed in the crib for nap. Diapers need to be changed when soiled/wet and not a shift basis. Based on the staff interview they change children every two hours, which is considered a shift basis. During the interview and discussion with staff, I encourage them to check diapers/pullups regularly throughout the day, between diaper changes, prior to rest time and when waking from nap, to ensure children are not sitting in wet or soiled diapers and I encourage a diaper changing log to help staff keep track of each child's last diaper checked/change. Based on today's staff interviews and review of diaper change documentation this allegation is substantiated. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 401 Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis. Diaper changing is occurring on a shift basis, staff report they change diapers every two hours or when soiled/wet between the 2 hour time period. Based on the infant/toddler daily sheets reviewed today infants were not changed prior to nap or waking up from nap and it had been more than 2 hours from their last noted diaper change. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The head pastor has not completed the criminal background check. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. The interim Director and the Head Pastor Michael do not have a valid qualifying letters on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Compliance Letter: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Bobbi Whitehead, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before February 20, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance: Diaper changes: We discussed adding a diaper change policy/procedure in writing for staff to review and follow. You stated you liked the idea of having a diaper changing log or tracking system in place (other than the tablet daily information) where staff will keep track of each child's last diaper change/check, this will be visible to staff in the classroom to regularly check to ensure they are regularly checking children throughout the day and not changing them on a 2 hour timeframe. You are going to be speaking with staff that work with children who required diaper checks/changes, and come up with a policy or procedure. I encourage you to add the actual child care requirement and sanitation diaper changing procedure in your policy/procedure and ensure each classroom had the diapering procedure posted. There is potty training resource on Mecklenburg County Environmental Health's website, I encourage you to post in any classroom that assists children with potty training. The website is https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/lodging-child-care-institutions Criminal Record Checks: I explained the Head Pastor of the Church must maintain a current DCDEE qualifying letter. You will inform the Elder Board that if the Head Pastor is to change the new head pastor would be required to obtain a DCDEE qualifying letter prior to employment. You made note of the email address and phone number for the DCDEE criminal record check unit, to contact for further questions or if in the future an issue arises. Provisional qualifying letters are valid for 45 days, staff with provisional qualifying letters cannot be left alone to care for children and must work with a staff that has a full DCDEE qualifying letter. They will need to regularly check the DCDEE portal and provide you the full qualifying letter upon receipt. Substitutes: You stated you are interested in working with a substitute agency, I encourage you to review the child care requirements regarding substitutes. I discussed requirements found in 10A NCAC 09 .0700, 0703 (that apply to your facility, you are exempt from meeting 10A NCAC 09 .0703 (c-f), 10A NCAC 09 .0607(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1102 (you are exempt from child care requirement 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a)(b)(e)(g). I asked if you had additional questions, you asked about the staff and training worksheets, we looked at and discussed the document and I provided suggestions on how to use it at a running document to help you maintain compliance with staff records. I encourage you to keep the form in excel format on your computer and review it regularly to ensure nothing required expires. M Stewart, Head Pastor cannot be in the licensed child care until he obtains a DCDEE qualifying letter. His office is in the Church portion on campus and is not in the licensed child care space. You, B. Whitehead, have 15 days to obtain a DCDEE qualifying letter. If one is not received at that time, you will not be able to return to work until it is obtained. Administrative Action: I will discuss this visit with my supervisor and discuss the possibility of issuing an administrative action based on the substantiation of an allegation. I will discuss the process/procedures you plan to implement with her to determine if action is needed. I will be contact to let you know. If you have questions, feel free to reach out, i provided you my business card today. I can be reached at: Andrea Anderson 12233 Royal Castle Ct. Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0224-008L Visit Date: 2/6/2024 Number Present: 132 Completed Date: 2/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 325 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. Upon my arrival I was informed of an administration change. I met with Bobbi Whitehead, Interim Administrator. I explained the purpose of today's visit and we went to her office to discuss the allegations. After discussing the allegations I observed in a few classrooms, and spoke to several staff regarding the allegations. It was reported that 131 children ranging age of 0-5 years were present today. Allegation: There are concerns that: Some volunteers counted in the ratio do not have valid qualification letters. They are allowed to take the children to the restrooms and be with them one on one. Soiled diapers are not changed as required. Findings: Some volunteers counted in the ratio do not have valid qualification letters. They are allowed to take the children to the restrooms and be with them one on one. You explained that you had an administrative change in Mid-January 2024 and when you announced the change you scheduled a parent meeting. During the parent meeting the concern regarding volunteers was brought up and addressed. You explained you do not use substitutes, but do have new staff that may be unfamiliar to some of the parents. Today you explained that you do not use volunteers or church members in the licensed child care program. You do have part time staff and/or floaters that work in several different classrooms based on the need. Some of them were newer staff and you have recently used one of the child care cooks to cover in a classroom. You provided their files for all staff mentioned. I reviewed their current DCDEE qualifying letters, verified they have CPR/FA certification and ITS/SIDS training. I also reviewed their medical file. All part time staff/floaters and the cook have all required information on file. No person has been left alone with children or take children to the restroom that are not qualified to work in the licensed child care. The head pastor and you, the interim director, do not have a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file. Your DCDEE qualifying letter expired on 2/1/2024, you completed the DCDEE criminal background application packet in December 2023 and currently waiting on the response. I checked the database and can see where your information was received in December 2023 and is still in process. I encouraged you to contact DCDEE criminal record unit to inquire about your qualification. The head pastor does not have a DCDEE qualifying letter or previous qualification. I explained that the Church owns the facility, therefor the Head Pastor is required to maintain a current DCDEE qualifying letter. You spoke with him today and he stated he would complete anything required immediately. He is not housed in the child care portion of the church, There is a church side that is not licensed approved space, his office is housed in another portion of the Church. During today's observation I spoke with several staff members and asked about substitutes. All staff reported that floaters cover in classrooms. I asked if any church personnel or members have substituted and all staff interviewed stated no, only hired floaters or other staff qualified to work in the licensed center cover when needed. Your DCDEE qualifying letter expired on 2/1/2024, you were previously qualified on 2/1/2019. You submitted the criminal record check through the portal on 12/16/23. During today's visit you contacted the DCDEE criminal record check unit to see what the issue was concerning your qualifying letter. You were informed that one portion of the SC check was not uploaded to the portal and that is why you haven't received your Provisional Qualifying letter. Once that information was uploaded the process should go quickly to obtain the full qualifying letter. You were informed if you uploaded that information today you would receive the provisional qualifying letter today. You stated you were not aware of receiving an email explaining you were missing information. The DCDEE criminal record check unit staff member provided you two email addresses the information would have been sent to you from, to double check and will note that for future reference in case any other staff members runs into issues in the future. You informed me that prior to 2/1/24 you had covered briefly in classrooms, your qualifying letter was valid. The pastor has not and does not work in the child care at all. You stated that when the administration changed you and the Head Pastor remained in the lobby to greet families. Based on the discussion with you, review of staff files, and staff interviews this allegation is unsubstantiated. Only person qualified to work in the licensed space have been working in the child care. Soiled diapers are not changed as required. During today's observations I observed diaper changes, interviewed staff who care for children that need diapers/pull ups changed, and I reviewed the children's daily record. Staff reported they change the children every 2 hours and when soiled/wet between the 2 hour time frame. I was provided the tablets where children's daily information is documented. Based on review in Space 1, 117 and 119 children weren't changed within the two hour time period. For example one infant was changed at 9:00 and went to lunch at 11:15 and was not checked or changed. I was in the room at 11:45 and they were just changing children's diapers. One infant was changed at 8:07 and began a nap at 10:14 and was not changed/checked prior to being placed in the crib for nap. Diapers need to be changed when soiled/wet and not a shift basis. Based on the staff interview they change children every two hours, which is considered a shift basis. During the interview and discussion with staff, I encourage them to check diapers/pullups regularly throughout the day, between diaper changes, prior to rest time and when waking from nap, to ensure children are not sitting in wet or soiled diapers and I encourage a diaper changing log to help staff keep track of each child's last diaper checked/change. Based on today's staff interviews and review of diaper change documentation this allegation is substantiated. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 401 Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis. Diaper changing is occurring on a shift basis, staff report they change diapers every two hours or when soiled/wet between the 2 hour time period. Based on the infant/toddler daily sheets reviewed today infants were not changed prior to nap or waking up from nap and it had been more than 2 hours from their last noted diaper change. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The head pastor has not completed the criminal background check. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. The interim Director and the Head Pastor Michael do not have a valid qualifying letters on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Compliance Letter: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Bobbi Whitehead, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before February 20, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance: Diaper changes: We discussed adding a diaper change policy/procedure in writing for staff to review and follow. You stated you liked the idea of having a diaper changing log or tracking system in place (other than the tablet daily information) where staff will keep track of each child's last diaper change/check, this will be visible to staff in the classroom to regularly check to ensure they are regularly checking children throughout the day and not changing them on a 2 hour timeframe. You are going to be speaking with staff that work with children who required diaper checks/changes, and come up with a policy or procedure. I encourage you to add the actual child care requirement and sanitation diaper changing procedure in your policy/procedure and ensure each classroom had the diapering procedure posted. There is potty training resource on Mecklenburg County Environmental Health's website, I encourage you to post in any classroom that assists children with potty training. The website is https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/lodging-child-care-institutions Criminal Record Checks: I explained the Head Pastor of the Church must maintain a current DCDEE qualifying letter. You will inform the Elder Board that if the Head Pastor is to change the new head pastor would be required to obtain a DCDEE qualifying letter prior to employment. You made note of the email address and phone number for the DCDEE criminal record check unit, to contact for further questions or if in the future an issue arises. Provisional qualifying letters are valid for 45 days, staff with provisional qualifying letters cannot be left alone to care for children and must work with a staff that has a full DCDEE qualifying letter. They will need to regularly check the DCDEE portal and provide you the full qualifying letter upon receipt. Substitutes: You stated you are interested in working with a substitute agency, I encourage you to review the child care requirements regarding substitutes. I discussed requirements found in 10A NCAC 09 .0700, 0703 (that apply to your facility, you are exempt from meeting 10A NCAC 09 .0703 (c-f), 10A NCAC 09 .0607(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1102 (you are exempt from child care requirement 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a)(b)(e)(g). I asked if you had additional questions, you asked about the staff and training worksheets, we looked at and discussed the document and I provided suggestions on how to use it at a running document to help you maintain compliance with staff records. I encourage you to keep the form in excel format on your computer and review it regularly to ensure nothing required expires. M Stewart, Head Pastor cannot be in the licensed child care until he obtains a DCDEE qualifying letter. His office is in the Church portion on campus and is not in the licensed child care space. You, B. Whitehead, have 15 days to obtain a DCDEE qualifying letter. If one is not received at that time, you will not be able to return to work until it is obtained. Administrative Action: I will discuss this visit with my supervisor and discuss the possibility of issuing an administrative action based on the substantiation of an allegation. I will discuss the process/procedures you plan to implement with her to determine if action is needed. I will be contact to let you know. If you have questions, feel free to reach out, i provided you my business card today. I can be reached at: Andrea Anderson 12233 Royal Castle Ct. Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 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 .0902 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/3/2023 Number Present: 124 Completed Date: 10/3/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:00 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 applicable child care requirements during the routine unannounced visit. The current Notice of Compliance was issued on 12/11/20. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 3-22-23. The 18 month compliance history, prior to today’s visit was 72%. I met with Joyce Schlemmer, Director during today’s visit. You were able to accompany me on today’s walkthrough. Each classroom was monitored today, supervision and staff child ratio were observed being maintained. Staff used nurturing tones as they spoke with children. Infants were observed resting and having floor time. Visual safe sleep documentation and feeding schedules were monitored in the infant rooms and found meeting compliance. Toddler classrooms serving children under 15 months did not have current feeding schedules posted. In all classrooms other than infants I observed teacher directed activities and center free choice. I also observed lunch being served in the multi purpose room. You have several children with parent preferences when eating, however it's only listed on the application what not to serve but there are no written instructions on file. Staff are storing emergency medications with their antihistamines in the back packs and hanging them on a hook in the classrooms and the they are not stored above 5 feet. The emergency medication can be stored above 5 feet, unlocked, so you have quick access if needed. The antihistamines must be stored in locked storage, this was corrected during the visit. I observed medications not stored properly in Space 101, 103, 120 and 114 today. I reviewed program records today. The last fire inspection was conducted on 11-16-22. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 1-23-23. I reviewed the monthly playground inspections, you did not document an inspection for September 2023. The incident log was reviewed and found meeting compliance. I reviewed the current emergency drill log, you did not document the September fire drill you conducted on 9-6-23. Information required to be posted was observed posted. The EMC plan has been updated this year do to staff turnover. I reviewed your current staff and training worksheet. Each staff has a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file. You and staff working with infants have current ITS/SIDS. The newest staff working in the infant room will need to obtain the training this month, she is not left alone to care for infants until she obtains ITS/SIDS training. All staff who have been employed more than 90 days has current CPR and First Aid certification. You completed EPR training and reviewed the current EPR and EMC plans with all staff, except two staff were not present and haven't reviewed them since June and September of 2022. Cleaning supplies were observed stored properly. General safety requirements were monitored. Each group was observed in approved adequate space. All restrictions on the Notice of Compliance were observed meeting compliance. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 510 Food required by special diet prescribed by health care professional or parent did not have written instructions and/or was not maintained on file at the center. You have several children's who have parents that prefer they not drink milk, it is written on the application but there are no written instructions on file regarding the preference and how you are to provide their child in lieu of milk. .0901(h) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. (omit posting for centers located in a residence)Space 107 serves children under 15 months and those children did not have a current feeding schedule posted. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Space 119 serves children under 15 months, two of those children's feeding schedules were not current. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. You did not document the September 2023 fire drill on the current emergency drill log. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Emergency medications were observed stored below 5 feet during today's visit and antihistamines were observed stored in unlocked back packs below 5 feet. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. You did not document a monthly playground inspection for the month of September 2023. .0605(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Two staff have not reviewed the current EMC plan since 6/27/22 and 9/26/22. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Two staff have not reviewed the current EPR plan since 6/27/22 and 9/26/22. .0607(f) 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. One staff hired 7/25/23 does not have a signed acknowledgment on file stating she reviewed the center's policy. .0608(d)(1-4) Compliance Statement: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Joyce Schlemmer, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before October 17, 2023. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Nutrition: I reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0900 with you today. You need clear written instructions to follow when you have children with special diets and any parent preference. If they do not have an opt on file, you need to inquire about nutritional supplements for components required to be served. For instance milk is a required component at lunch, for those children who have a parent preference they should be offered a nutritional supplement for that component during lunch. During snack you can provide another component in it's place. Storing medications in back packs: The base of the back pack must be stored above 5 feet and can only store the emergency medication (Epi pen, alburtol, ect.) If they need to go with the group as they move about the facility the teacher must carry the back pack on them at all times unless there is somewhere above 5 feet the back pack can be stored in the location they are in at the time. I ran the 18 month compliance history as of today's visit and the compliance history is 74%. I will need to discuss this with my supervisor. According to 10A NCAC 09. 2204 an Administrative Action Provisional License can be issued when the facility's compliance history drops below the minimum requirement of 75%. I will be in contact after I discuss this visit and your current compliance history with my supervisor. If you have any questions please contact me: Andrea Anderson PO Box 49335 Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0802 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/3/2023 Number Present: 124 Completed Date: 10/3/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:00 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 applicable child care requirements during the routine unannounced visit. The current Notice of Compliance was issued on 12/11/20. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 3-22-23. The 18 month compliance history, prior to today’s visit was 72%. I met with Joyce Schlemmer, Director during today’s visit. You were able to accompany me on today’s walkthrough. Each classroom was monitored today, supervision and staff child ratio were observed being maintained. Staff used nurturing tones as they spoke with children. Infants were observed resting and having floor time. Visual safe sleep documentation and feeding schedules were monitored in the infant rooms and found meeting compliance. Toddler classrooms serving children under 15 months did not have current feeding schedules posted. In all classrooms other than infants I observed teacher directed activities and center free choice. I also observed lunch being served in the multi purpose room. You have several children with parent preferences when eating, however it's only listed on the application what not to serve but there are no written instructions on file. Staff are storing emergency medications with their antihistamines in the back packs and hanging them on a hook in the classrooms and the they are not stored above 5 feet. The emergency medication can be stored above 5 feet, unlocked, so you have quick access if needed. The antihistamines must be stored in locked storage, this was corrected during the visit. I observed medications not stored properly in Space 101, 103, 120 and 114 today. I reviewed program records today. The last fire inspection was conducted on 11-16-22. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 1-23-23. I reviewed the monthly playground inspections, you did not document an inspection for September 2023. The incident log was reviewed and found meeting compliance. I reviewed the current emergency drill log, you did not document the September fire drill you conducted on 9-6-23. Information required to be posted was observed posted. The EMC plan has been updated this year do to staff turnover. I reviewed your current staff and training worksheet. Each staff has a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file. You and staff working with infants have current ITS/SIDS. The newest staff working in the infant room will need to obtain the training this month, she is not left alone to care for infants until she obtains ITS/SIDS training. All staff who have been employed more than 90 days has current CPR and First Aid certification. You completed EPR training and reviewed the current EPR and EMC plans with all staff, except two staff were not present and haven't reviewed them since June and September of 2022. Cleaning supplies were observed stored properly. General safety requirements were monitored. Each group was observed in approved adequate space. All restrictions on the Notice of Compliance were observed meeting compliance. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 510 Food required by special diet prescribed by health care professional or parent did not have written instructions and/or was not maintained on file at the center. You have several children's who have parents that prefer they not drink milk, it is written on the application but there are no written instructions on file regarding the preference and how you are to provide their child in lieu of milk. .0901(h) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. (omit posting for centers located in a residence)Space 107 serves children under 15 months and those children did not have a current feeding schedule posted. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Space 119 serves children under 15 months, two of those children's feeding schedules were not current. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. You did not document the September 2023 fire drill on the current emergency drill log. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Emergency medications were observed stored below 5 feet during today's visit and antihistamines were observed stored in unlocked back packs below 5 feet. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. You did not document a monthly playground inspection for the month of September 2023. .0605(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Two staff have not reviewed the current EMC plan since 6/27/22 and 9/26/22. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Two staff have not reviewed the current EPR plan since 6/27/22 and 9/26/22. .0607(f) 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. One staff hired 7/25/23 does not have a signed acknowledgment on file stating she reviewed the center's policy. .0608(d)(1-4) Compliance Statement: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Joyce Schlemmer, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before October 17, 2023. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Nutrition: I reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0900 with you today. You need clear written instructions to follow when you have children with special diets and any parent preference. If they do not have an opt on file, you need to inquire about nutritional supplements for components required to be served. For instance milk is a required component at lunch, for those children who have a parent preference they should be offered a nutritional supplement for that component during lunch. During snack you can provide another component in it's place. Storing medications in back packs: The base of the back pack must be stored above 5 feet and can only store the emergency medication (Epi pen, alburtol, ect.) If they need to go with the group as they move about the facility the teacher must carry the back pack on them at all times unless there is somewhere above 5 feet the back pack can be stored in the location they are in at the time. I ran the 18 month compliance history as of today's visit and the compliance history is 74%. I will need to discuss this with my supervisor. According to 10A NCAC 09. 2204 an Administrative Action Provisional License can be issued when the facility's compliance history drops below the minimum requirement of 75%. I will be in contact after I discuss this visit and your current compliance history with my supervisor. If you have any questions please contact me: Andrea Anderson PO Box 49335 Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 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 .0900 · Violation
Name of Operation: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/3/2023 Number Present: 124 Completed Date: 10/3/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:00 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 applicable child care requirements during the routine unannounced visit. The current Notice of Compliance was issued on 12/11/20. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 3-22-23. The 18 month compliance history, prior to today’s visit was 72%. I met with Joyce Schlemmer, Director during today’s visit. You were able to accompany me on today’s walkthrough. Each classroom was monitored today, supervision and staff child ratio were observed being maintained. Staff used nurturing tones as they spoke with children. Infants were observed resting and having floor time. Visual safe sleep documentation and feeding schedules were monitored in the infant rooms and found meeting compliance. Toddler classrooms serving children under 15 months did not have current feeding schedules posted. In all classrooms other than infants I observed teacher directed activities and center free choice. I also observed lunch being served in the multi purpose room. You have several children with parent preferences when eating, however it's only listed on the application what not to serve but there are no written instructions on file. Staff are storing emergency medications with their antihistamines in the back packs and hanging them on a hook in the classrooms and the they are not stored above 5 feet. The emergency medication can be stored above 5 feet, unlocked, so you have quick access if needed. The antihistamines must be stored in locked storage, this was corrected during the visit. I observed medications not stored properly in Space 101, 103, 120 and 114 today. I reviewed program records today. The last fire inspection was conducted on 11-16-22. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 1-23-23. I reviewed the monthly playground inspections, you did not document an inspection for September 2023. The incident log was reviewed and found meeting compliance. I reviewed the current emergency drill log, you did not document the September fire drill you conducted on 9-6-23. Information required to be posted was observed posted. The EMC plan has been updated this year do to staff turnover. I reviewed your current staff and training worksheet. Each staff has a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file. You and staff working with infants have current ITS/SIDS. The newest staff working in the infant room will need to obtain the training this month, she is not left alone to care for infants until she obtains ITS/SIDS training. All staff who have been employed more than 90 days has current CPR and First Aid certification. You completed EPR training and reviewed the current EPR and EMC plans with all staff, except two staff were not present and haven't reviewed them since June and September of 2022. Cleaning supplies were observed stored properly. General safety requirements were monitored. Each group was observed in approved adequate space. All restrictions on the Notice of Compliance were observed meeting compliance. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 510 Food required by special diet prescribed by health care professional or parent did not have written instructions and/or was not maintained on file at the center. You have several children's who have parents that prefer they not drink milk, it is written on the application but there are no written instructions on file regarding the preference and how you are to provide their child in lieu of milk. .0901(h) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. (omit posting for centers located in a residence)Space 107 serves children under 15 months and those children did not have a current feeding schedule posted. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Space 119 serves children under 15 months, two of those children's feeding schedules were not current. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. You did not document the September 2023 fire drill on the current emergency drill log. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Emergency medications were observed stored below 5 feet during today's visit and antihistamines were observed stored in unlocked back packs below 5 feet. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. You did not document a monthly playground inspection for the month of September 2023. .0605(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Two staff have not reviewed the current EMC plan since 6/27/22 and 9/26/22. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Two staff have not reviewed the current EPR plan since 6/27/22 and 9/26/22. .0607(f) 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. One staff hired 7/25/23 does not have a signed acknowledgment on file stating she reviewed the center's policy. .0608(d)(1-4) Compliance Statement: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Joyce Schlemmer, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before October 17, 2023. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Nutrition: I reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0900 with you today. You need clear written instructions to follow when you have children with special diets and any parent preference. If they do not have an opt on file, you need to inquire about nutritional supplements for components required to be served. For instance milk is a required component at lunch, for those children who have a parent preference they should be offered a nutritional supplement for that component during lunch. During snack you can provide another component in it's place. Storing medications in back packs: The base of the back pack must be stored above 5 feet and can only store the emergency medication (Epi pen, alburtol, ect.) If they need to go with the group as they move about the facility the teacher must carry the back pack on them at all times unless there is somewhere above 5 feet the back pack can be stored in the location they are in at the time. I ran the 18 month compliance history as of today's visit and the compliance history is 74%. I will need to discuss this with my supervisor. According to 10A NCAC 09. 2204 an Administrative Action Provisional License can be issued when the facility's compliance history drops below the minimum requirement of 75%. I will be in contact after I discuss this visit and your current compliance history with my supervisor. If you have any questions please contact me: Andrea Anderson PO Box 49335 Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 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: GRACE LIFE ACADEMY Facility ID: 6059027 Consultant: ANDREA ANDERSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/3/2023 Number Present: 124 Completed Date: 10/3/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 01:00 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 applicable child care requirements during the routine unannounced visit. The current Notice of Compliance was issued on 12/11/20. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 3-22-23. The 18 month compliance history, prior to today’s visit was 72%. I met with Joyce Schlemmer, Director during today’s visit. You were able to accompany me on today’s walkthrough. Each classroom was monitored today, supervision and staff child ratio were observed being maintained. Staff used nurturing tones as they spoke with children. Infants were observed resting and having floor time. Visual safe sleep documentation and feeding schedules were monitored in the infant rooms and found meeting compliance. Toddler classrooms serving children under 15 months did not have current feeding schedules posted. In all classrooms other than infants I observed teacher directed activities and center free choice. I also observed lunch being served in the multi purpose room. You have several children with parent preferences when eating, however it's only listed on the application what not to serve but there are no written instructions on file. Staff are storing emergency medications with their antihistamines in the back packs and hanging them on a hook in the classrooms and the they are not stored above 5 feet. The emergency medication can be stored above 5 feet, unlocked, so you have quick access if needed. The antihistamines must be stored in locked storage, this was corrected during the visit. I observed medications not stored properly in Space 101, 103, 120 and 114 today. I reviewed program records today. The last fire inspection was conducted on 11-16-22. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 1-23-23. I reviewed the monthly playground inspections, you did not document an inspection for September 2023. The incident log was reviewed and found meeting compliance. I reviewed the current emergency drill log, you did not document the September fire drill you conducted on 9-6-23. Information required to be posted was observed posted. The EMC plan has been updated this year do to staff turnover. I reviewed your current staff and training worksheet. Each staff has a current DCDEE qualifying letter on file. You and staff working with infants have current ITS/SIDS. The newest staff working in the infant room will need to obtain the training this month, she is not left alone to care for infants until she obtains ITS/SIDS training. All staff who have been employed more than 90 days has current CPR and First Aid certification. You completed EPR training and reviewed the current EPR and EMC plans with all staff, except two staff were not present and haven't reviewed them since June and September of 2022. Cleaning supplies were observed stored properly. General safety requirements were monitored. Each group was observed in approved adequate space. All restrictions on the Notice of Compliance were observed meeting compliance. The following violations were cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 510 Food required by special diet prescribed by health care professional or parent did not have written instructions and/or was not maintained on file at the center. You have several children's who have parents that prefer they not drink milk, it is written on the application but there are no written instructions on file regarding the preference and how you are to provide their child in lieu of milk. .0901(h) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. (omit posting for centers located in a residence)Space 107 serves children under 15 months and those children did not have a current feeding schedule posted. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Space 119 serves children under 15 months, two of those children's feeding schedules were not current. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. You did not document the September 2023 fire drill on the current emergency drill log. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Emergency medications were observed stored below 5 feet during today's visit and antihistamines were observed stored in unlocked back packs below 5 feet. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. You did not document a monthly playground inspection for the month of September 2023. .0605(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Two staff have not reviewed the current EMC plan since 6/27/22 and 9/26/22. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Two staff have not reviewed the current EPR plan since 6/27/22 and 9/26/22. .0607(f) 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. One staff hired 7/25/23 does not have a signed acknowledgment on file stating she reviewed the center's policy. .0608(d)(1-4) Compliance Statement: Childcare providers are expected to maintain compliance with all applicable child care requirements at all times. All violations cited today shall be corrected immediately. Joyce Schlemmer, administrator, will email a compliance letter explaining how each violation cited today has been corrected. The compliance letter must be received by the consultant, andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov, on or before October 17, 2023. Failure to correct the violations and/or submit the compliance letter to me by the date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted to ensure corrections were made. Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Nutrition: I reviewed 10A NCAC 09 .0900 with you today. You need clear written instructions to follow when you have children with special diets and any parent preference. If they do not have an opt on file, you need to inquire about nutritional supplements for components required to be served. For instance milk is a required component at lunch, for those children who have a parent preference they should be offered a nutritional supplement for that component during lunch. During snack you can provide another component in it's place. Storing medications in back packs: The base of the back pack must be stored above 5 feet and can only store the emergency medication (Epi pen, alburtol, ect.) If they need to go with the group as they move about the facility the teacher must carry the back pack on them at all times unless there is somewhere above 5 feet the back pack can be stored in the location they are in at the time. I ran the 18 month compliance history as of today's visit and the compliance history is 74%. I will need to discuss this with my supervisor. According to 10A NCAC 09. 2204 an Administrative Action Provisional License can be issued when the facility's compliance history drops below the minimum requirement of 75%. I will be in contact after I discuss this visit and your current compliance history with my supervisor. If you have any questions please contact me: Andrea Anderson PO Box 49335 Charlotte, NC 28277 andrea.anderson@dhhs.nc.gov (704)594-0039 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
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Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.