Bugg Elementary

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: BUGG ELEMENTARY Facility ID: 92003643 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/17/2026 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 2/17/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. The facilities’ last annual compliance visit was March 20th, 2025. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This NC PreK currently operates with a 5- star license, issued on May 24th, 2023, and operates at 30sq. ft. inside, & enhanced ratios. My visit was conducted with the teachers in the three new spaces room 502, 506 and 507 along with Meredith Broyles, WCPSS representative. On arrival at the elementary school, I checked into the front office and was greeted by the administrative staff and Ms. Broyles, We first entered classroom #506 where we were greeted by Ms. Wanda and Ms. Crystal. While reviewing staff and children’s files we observed breakfast, hand washing, and carpet time accompanied by some screentime start to the day activities. We then went to space #507 where we were greeted by Ms. Erin and Ms. Seton where we observed the tail of center time, lined up to go to the hall bathroom and then participate in outdoor play. We then walked to space #506 where we were greeted by Ms. Yashika, Ms. Yaritza and Ms. Shilva, and the children were observed participating in center play with staff assistance where needed. I monitored the required posted documents (EMC plan, rated license, sanitation rating, cot plan, activity schedule and safe arrival and departure.) interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements (inspections, fire drill, lockdown/shelter in place drill, and playground inspections) equipment, furnishings, and outdoor environment. Rated license: It has been brought to my attention that although these classrooms are NC PreK classrooms and require the completion of NCRLAP assessment in the future that by using pathway #2 the assessment is not required to complete the rated license packet, but it is required by NC PreK rule to be completed every three years. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= 1/7/2026- observed in the classroom binder *Sanitation inspection= 7/11/2025- 0 demerits and a superior rating * Water testing completed 10/7/2025 due to changes in use of classroom spaces, and results received 4/9/2024. Lead paint and asbestos * Compliance History prior to the visit on 4/30/2024- 100% *NC PreK monitoring tool dated 11/25/2025 * Fire drills 1/22/2026 lockdown/shelter in place drill9/11/2025, 10/6/2025,10/17/2025 & 12/18/2025 playground inspections 2/10/2026 *One item of non-compliance was observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. Review of eight children's files found one file from space #507 did not have a complete file for an enrolled child. G.S. 110-91(9) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* • While conducting my observations of the children from space #507 it was noted that upon departure from the classroom the children utilized the sinks in the hallway and not all children followed proper handwashing technique by preparing paper towel, turning on the water, obtaining soap and scrubbing then taking the paper towel to dry hands then turning off the sink with the towel. This requires some practice. • While conducting my observations in space #502 I heard a staff person using words like “no” or “negative direction” instead of positive words and direction. Please have classroom staff model positive redirection with words with staff. A violation of non- compliance was cited during today’s visit and requires a letter of corrective action by May 4th, 2026. Please email this correction letter to my mail address listed below. Your letter of corrective action should include the item number listed in the summary report, an explanation of how you corrected the violation and how you will keep it in compliance going forward. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 If you have any questions or concerns regarding my visit, please feel free to contact my supervisor Michele Remington at Michele.remington@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: BUGG ELEMENTARY Facility ID: 92003643 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/23/2024 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 10/23/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 35 Time In: 10:11 AM Time Out: 10:46 AM 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 for compliance with NC childcare requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This NC PreK currently operates with a 5- star license, issued on May 24th, 2023, and operates at 30sq. ft. inside, & enhanced ratios. My visit was conducted with you, Lead Teacher Wanda Brown and the new assistant teacher Ms. Crystal Bryant. Upon arrival the children were observed participating in circle time and then center play. I observed children playing with trains, blocks, manipulatives and at the table coloring. During the visit I obtained enrollment and conducted my observations. I monitored program requirements, staff/child ratios, supervision, outdoor learning environment and hazardous products. During today’s visit you informed me that the classroom next door that you share the playground with has talked about a request to expand the outdoor playground and hoping for a bike track and additional shade. Playground inspection: 9/23/2024 (reports indicated a need for power washing) Fire drill: August was on file and a note to get a copy of the September drill from the assistant principal Water testing: 6/14/2024 Sanitation- 9/6/2024- superior with five demerits Please send me the fire inspection conducted for the whole school. *One item of non-compliance was observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the outdoor learning environment there is a concrete window sill that is broken and sharp/ in need of repair and accessible to the enrolled children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) A violation of childcare requirements was cited during today’s visit and a letter of corrective action is required. Please submit a letter of corrective action by email November 4th, 2024. *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* • A violation of safe environment was cited today for the concrete windowsill that is broken in the outdoor environment and accessible to enrolled children. Please submit a work order for this to be repaired and document it in your corrective action response. Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 www.ncdhhs.gov/dcd 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 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: BUGG ELEMENTARY Facility ID: 92003643 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/30/2024 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 4/30/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 192 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 01:02 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 during your annual compliance visit. The facilities last annual compliance visit was May 24th, 2023. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your signature on the bottom of serves as verification that the information provided is accurate and complete. This NC PreK currently operates with a 5- star license, issued on May 24th, 2023, and operates at 30sq. ft. inside, & enhanced ratios. My visit was conducted with you, Lead Teacher W. Brown, and Substitute Ms. Battle. On arrival at the elementary school, I checked into the front office and was escorted to Room 510, the licensed NC PreK classroom. We walked into the classroom and found it was out of ratio. There was one teacher for twelve children (1:12). The requirement is 1:9. The front office administrative staff that escorted me to the classroom immediately made a call and obtained a substitute in the building to cover, to put the classroom in compliance with staff/child ratios. I was later informed that that substitute that was assigned today did not come in and the front office was unaware. I observed children participating in circle time talking about recycling. They were then dismissed to center play based on the type of shoes they were wearing today. I monitored for required posted documents (EMC plan, rated license, sanitation rating, cot plan, activity schedule and safe arrival and departure.) interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements (EPR, inspections, fire drill, lockdown/shelter in place drill, and playground inspections) equipment, furnishings, and outdoor environment. During my visit to this NC PreK classroom, I called and spoke with both Ms. Broyles and Ms. Lewis from WCPSS office of Early Learning to discuss my concerns about the classroom and the need for a permanent teacher assistant along with paperwork support for the lead teacher from both the school as well as myself. We also discussed the fact that substitutes from the district are being used in the classroom and not just the permanent school substitute that they thought was covering and although they meet the WCPSS requirements they do not meet the DCDEE requirements for paperwork and criminal background checks. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= observed in compliance but did not document the date in notes. *Sanitation inspection= 2/9/2024- 8 demerits and a superior rating * Water testing completed, and results received 4/9/2024. Lead paint and asbestos requirements in process per my conversation with K. Lewis, WCPSS representative. * Compliance History prior to the visit on 4/30/2024- 100% *NC PreK monitoring tool was complete * Fire drills, lockdown/shelter in place drills in compliance. Playground inspections not in compliance. Violation cited. *Five items of non-compliance were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A playground inspection was not completed and documented for the month of March. .0605(q) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The WCPSS substitute working in the NC PreK classroom today did not have a criminal background check completed prior to working in the classroom. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The WCPSS substitute assigned to cover the class did not have a file containing the required DCDEE paperwork to work in the NC PreK classroom. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1775 NC Pre-K program staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Upon arrival to the classroom the lead teacher was out of ratio with 1:12 children instead of the required 1:9. .3009 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. The lead teacher Ms. Brown did not complete the form and have on file for review. .0608(d)(1-4) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* Due to a violation of staff/child ratio cited a return visit will be conducted in the near future to observe compliance. • Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma: This facility has developed and implemented a shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy. On the first day of employment, staff must sign an acknowledgement regarding the receipt of the shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy. This acknowledgment must be maintained on file for review. • Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. The CBC process must be completed before a person can begin work; therefore, a Qualification Letter must be on file prior to employment. Any employee in a licensed childcare facility who is ever left alone with a child or group of children for any length of time must have a background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). A CBC must be completed every five years. An expiration date is listed on each Qualification Letter. Submissions can be made six months before the expiration date. Operators will need to be proactive and make staffing decisions and arrangements in advance to avoid non-compliance with this and other DCDEE staffing requirements. Having applicants submit a copy of their Qualification Letter along with their resume and application can facilitate a shorter selection and hiring process. Criminal background checks must be completed online. To complete online criminal background check applications, go to www.ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/dhhscrc.asp. The $26.50 payment is a part of the online criminal background check application process. Fingerprints must be completed through LIVESCAN at your local county sheriff’s office. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. • Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility were provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Childcare Centers in the NC Childcare Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. • Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each childcare provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. • Outdoor Inspections- The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children can play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. Since children are exploring it is very important to provide a safe environment, free of debris. A designated staff member should verify daily that the area is safe for children to use. Each month, the outdoor play areas should be inspected and documented on the form provided by the Division of Child Development. • Playground Red Bag: The red bag should contain tissues, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, band-aids, and a small sealable bag for dirty items like tissues if there is no trash can on the playground. • Hand sanitizer is approved for use by sanitation and health when you need to clean your hands and there is no immediate water source available. • Substitutes: Per childcare requirements a substitute even in the school system should have at minimum: employment application, TB, health questionnaire/emergency information, CBC qualification letter, orientation, proof of review of EMC plan, first aid/CPR sign off for prevention of shaken baby and abusive head trauma policy, certificate showing completion of recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment training, documentation of being informed of EPR plan and its location. * Some of these items are kept at the WCPSS main office but the remaining if the substitute travels to different schools should travel with him/her so it is available for review if a visit is conducted at the site. * An email was sent following this visit with forms that needed to be completed and either posted or completed and placed on file. Violations of non- compliance were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action by May 10th, 2024. Please email this correction letter to my email address listed below. Your letter of corrective action should include the item number listed in the summary report, an explanation of how you corrected the violation and how you will keep it in compliance going forward. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 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: BUGG ELEMENTARY Facility ID: 92003643 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/30/2024 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 4/30/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 192 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 01:02 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 during your annual compliance visit. The facilities last annual compliance visit was May 24th, 2023. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your signature on the bottom of serves as verification that the information provided is accurate and complete. This NC PreK currently operates with a 5- star license, issued on May 24th, 2023, and operates at 30sq. ft. inside, & enhanced ratios. My visit was conducted with you, Lead Teacher W. Brown, and Substitute Ms. Battle. On arrival at the elementary school, I checked into the front office and was escorted to Room 510, the licensed NC PreK classroom. We walked into the classroom and found it was out of ratio. There was one teacher for twelve children (1:12). The requirement is 1:9. The front office administrative staff that escorted me to the classroom immediately made a call and obtained a substitute in the building to cover, to put the classroom in compliance with staff/child ratios. I was later informed that that substitute that was assigned today did not come in and the front office was unaware. I observed children participating in circle time talking about recycling. They were then dismissed to center play based on the type of shoes they were wearing today. I monitored for required posted documents (EMC plan, rated license, sanitation rating, cot plan, activity schedule and safe arrival and departure.) interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements (EPR, inspections, fire drill, lockdown/shelter in place drill, and playground inspections) equipment, furnishings, and outdoor environment. During my visit to this NC PreK classroom, I called and spoke with both Ms. Broyles and Ms. Lewis from WCPSS office of Early Learning to discuss my concerns about the classroom and the need for a permanent teacher assistant along with paperwork support for the lead teacher from both the school as well as myself. We also discussed the fact that substitutes from the district are being used in the classroom and not just the permanent school substitute that they thought was covering and although they meet the WCPSS requirements they do not meet the DCDEE requirements for paperwork and criminal background checks. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= observed in compliance but did not document the date in notes. *Sanitation inspection= 2/9/2024- 8 demerits and a superior rating * Water testing completed, and results received 4/9/2024. Lead paint and asbestos requirements in process per my conversation with K. Lewis, WCPSS representative. * Compliance History prior to the visit on 4/30/2024- 100% *NC PreK monitoring tool was complete * Fire drills, lockdown/shelter in place drills in compliance. Playground inspections not in compliance. Violation cited. *Five items of non-compliance were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A playground inspection was not completed and documented for the month of March. .0605(q) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The WCPSS substitute working in the NC PreK classroom today did not have a criminal background check completed prior to working in the classroom. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The WCPSS substitute assigned to cover the class did not have a file containing the required DCDEE paperwork to work in the NC PreK classroom. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1775 NC Pre-K program staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Upon arrival to the classroom the lead teacher was out of ratio with 1:12 children instead of the required 1:9. .3009 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. The lead teacher Ms. Brown did not complete the form and have on file for review. .0608(d)(1-4) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* Due to a violation of staff/child ratio cited a return visit will be conducted in the near future to observe compliance. • Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma: This facility has developed and implemented a shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy. On the first day of employment, staff must sign an acknowledgement regarding the receipt of the shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy. This acknowledgment must be maintained on file for review. • Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. The CBC process must be completed before a person can begin work; therefore, a Qualification Letter must be on file prior to employment. Any employee in a licensed childcare facility who is ever left alone with a child or group of children for any length of time must have a background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). A CBC must be completed every five years. An expiration date is listed on each Qualification Letter. Submissions can be made six months before the expiration date. Operators will need to be proactive and make staffing decisions and arrangements in advance to avoid non-compliance with this and other DCDEE staffing requirements. Having applicants submit a copy of their Qualification Letter along with their resume and application can facilitate a shorter selection and hiring process. Criminal background checks must be completed online. To complete online criminal background check applications, go to www.ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/dhhscrc.asp. The $26.50 payment is a part of the online criminal background check application process. Fingerprints must be completed through LIVESCAN at your local county sheriff’s office. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. • Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility were provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Childcare Centers in the NC Childcare Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. • Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each childcare provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. • Outdoor Inspections- The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children can play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. Since children are exploring it is very important to provide a safe environment, free of debris. A designated staff member should verify daily that the area is safe for children to use. Each month, the outdoor play areas should be inspected and documented on the form provided by the Division of Child Development. • Playground Red Bag: The red bag should contain tissues, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, band-aids, and a small sealable bag for dirty items like tissues if there is no trash can on the playground. • Hand sanitizer is approved for use by sanitation and health when you need to clean your hands and there is no immediate water source available. • Substitutes: Per childcare requirements a substitute even in the school system should have at minimum: employment application, TB, health questionnaire/emergency information, CBC qualification letter, orientation, proof of review of EMC plan, first aid/CPR sign off for prevention of shaken baby and abusive head trauma policy, certificate showing completion of recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment training, documentation of being informed of EPR plan and its location. * Some of these items are kept at the WCPSS main office but the remaining if the substitute travels to different schools should travel with him/her so it is available for review if a visit is conducted at the site. * An email was sent following this visit with forms that needed to be completed and either posted or completed and placed on file. Violations of non- compliance were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action by May 10th, 2024. Please email this correction letter to my email address listed below. Your letter of corrective action should include the item number listed in the summary report, an explanation of how you corrected the violation and how you will keep it in compliance going forward. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 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: BUGG ELEMENTARY Facility ID: 92003643 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/30/2024 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 4/30/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 192 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 01:02 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 during your annual compliance visit. The facilities last annual compliance visit was May 24th, 2023. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your signature on the bottom of serves as verification that the information provided is accurate and complete. This NC PreK currently operates with a 5- star license, issued on May 24th, 2023, and operates at 30sq. ft. inside, & enhanced ratios. My visit was conducted with you, Lead Teacher W. Brown, and Substitute Ms. Battle. On arrival at the elementary school, I checked into the front office and was escorted to Room 510, the licensed NC PreK classroom. We walked into the classroom and found it was out of ratio. There was one teacher for twelve children (1:12). The requirement is 1:9. The front office administrative staff that escorted me to the classroom immediately made a call and obtained a substitute in the building to cover, to put the classroom in compliance with staff/child ratios. I was later informed that that substitute that was assigned today did not come in and the front office was unaware. I observed children participating in circle time talking about recycling. They were then dismissed to center play based on the type of shoes they were wearing today. I monitored for required posted documents (EMC plan, rated license, sanitation rating, cot plan, activity schedule and safe arrival and departure.) interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements (EPR, inspections, fire drill, lockdown/shelter in place drill, and playground inspections) equipment, furnishings, and outdoor environment. During my visit to this NC PreK classroom, I called and spoke with both Ms. Broyles and Ms. Lewis from WCPSS office of Early Learning to discuss my concerns about the classroom and the need for a permanent teacher assistant along with paperwork support for the lead teacher from both the school as well as myself. We also discussed the fact that substitutes from the district are being used in the classroom and not just the permanent school substitute that they thought was covering and although they meet the WCPSS requirements they do not meet the DCDEE requirements for paperwork and criminal background checks. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= observed in compliance but did not document the date in notes. *Sanitation inspection= 2/9/2024- 8 demerits and a superior rating * Water testing completed, and results received 4/9/2024. Lead paint and asbestos requirements in process per my conversation with K. Lewis, WCPSS representative. * Compliance History prior to the visit on 4/30/2024- 100% *NC PreK monitoring tool was complete * Fire drills, lockdown/shelter in place drills in compliance. Playground inspections not in compliance. Violation cited. *Five items of non-compliance were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A playground inspection was not completed and documented for the month of March. .0605(q) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The WCPSS substitute working in the NC PreK classroom today did not have a criminal background check completed prior to working in the classroom. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The WCPSS substitute assigned to cover the class did not have a file containing the required DCDEE paperwork to work in the NC PreK classroom. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1775 NC Pre-K program staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Upon arrival to the classroom the lead teacher was out of ratio with 1:12 children instead of the required 1:9. .3009 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. The lead teacher Ms. Brown did not complete the form and have on file for review. .0608(d)(1-4) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* Due to a violation of staff/child ratio cited a return visit will be conducted in the near future to observe compliance. • Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma: This facility has developed and implemented a shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy. On the first day of employment, staff must sign an acknowledgement regarding the receipt of the shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy. This acknowledgment must be maintained on file for review. • Criminal background checks (CBC) are completed to protect the children from abuse and reduce liability risks. The CBC process must be completed before a person can begin work; therefore, a Qualification Letter must be on file prior to employment. Any employee in a licensed childcare facility who is ever left alone with a child or group of children for any length of time must have a background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). A CBC must be completed every five years. An expiration date is listed on each Qualification Letter. Submissions can be made six months before the expiration date. Operators will need to be proactive and make staffing decisions and arrangements in advance to avoid non-compliance with this and other DCDEE staffing requirements. Having applicants submit a copy of their Qualification Letter along with their resume and application can facilitate a shorter selection and hiring process. Criminal background checks must be completed online. To complete online criminal background check applications, go to www.ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/dhhscrc.asp. The $26.50 payment is a part of the online criminal background check application process. Fingerprints must be completed through LIVESCAN at your local county sheriff’s office. If you have any questions regarding the criminal background check process, dial 1-800-859-0829 and ask for the criminal background unit. • Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated of the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility were provided today. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Childcare Centers in the NC Childcare Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. • Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each childcare provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. • Outdoor Inspections- The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children can play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste and their sense of motion. Since children are exploring it is very important to provide a safe environment, free of debris. A designated staff member should verify daily that the area is safe for children to use. Each month, the outdoor play areas should be inspected and documented on the form provided by the Division of Child Development. • Playground Red Bag: The red bag should contain tissues, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, band-aids, and a small sealable bag for dirty items like tissues if there is no trash can on the playground. • Hand sanitizer is approved for use by sanitation and health when you need to clean your hands and there is no immediate water source available. • Substitutes: Per childcare requirements a substitute even in the school system should have at minimum: employment application, TB, health questionnaire/emergency information, CBC qualification letter, orientation, proof of review of EMC plan, first aid/CPR sign off for prevention of shaken baby and abusive head trauma policy, certificate showing completion of recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment training, documentation of being informed of EPR plan and its location. * Some of these items are kept at the WCPSS main office but the remaining if the substitute travels to different schools should travel with him/her so it is available for review if a visit is conducted at the site. * An email was sent following this visit with forms that needed to be completed and either posted or completed and placed on file. Violations of non- compliance were cited during today’s visit and require a letter of corrective action by May 10th, 2024. Please email this correction letter to my email address listed below. Your letter of corrective action should include the item number listed in the summary report, an explanation of how you corrected the violation and how you will keep it in compliance going forward. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Michele Hirsch, DCDEE Licensing Consultant Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 919-819-9364 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