Guidepost Montessori Spruce Tree

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI SPRUCE TREE Facility ID: 92003454 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/20/2025 Number Present: 81 Completed Date: 3/20/2025 Age: From 0 To 6 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to assess applicable child-care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. The interim head of school, Marcela Clarke, assisted me with today’s visit. We conducted a walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed groups of children engaged in free play outdoors. I also observed infant rest time and a group of children preparing the center garden. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5-star rated license issued on 11/8/24 through the accreditation pathway. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was conducted 1/2/25. The last fire inspection was conducted 9/18/23. The interim head of school stated that they had completed the fire equipment inspection, but she did not have access to confirm that the fire inspection was completed. The last documented fire drill was conducted 2/17/25. The last documented shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was conducted 9/26/24. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 3/11/25. The status of the owners, Guidepost FIC A, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State website. Limited monitoring of childcare requirements was assessed during today’s visit. I reviewed 1 new staff files and confirmed that all staff have current CPR, First Aid, and ITS SIDS certificates, as required. The program does not transport children or enroll school-aged children; therefore, these requirements were not assessed. The following violations were observed and recorded during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last documented fire inspection was completed in September 2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last documented emergency drill was completed 9/26/24. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 4/3/25 please email me a signed letter of compliance. Before the letter is sent, all violations should be corrected; please contact me if additional time is needed to correct a specific violation. Include the following in your letter: facility ID number, list the item number describing how and when the violations were corrected and tell me how you plan to maintain compliance in the future with each item. If you prefer to mail your letter, you may send it to 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 If the compliance action letter is not received by the due date another visit to the center may be made and additional violations may be added. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 94%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The fire inspection should be completed annually. Please contact your fire inspector to schedule this visit as soon as possible. This annual inspection is required to ensure that the facility is staff and that all staff can quickly respond in the event of an emergency. The last documented emergency drill was conducted 9/26/24. Marcela stated that they did a tornado drill a few weeks ago, during inclement weather. However, this drill was not documented. Moving forward, you should document an emergency or fire drill as soon as it is completed. Shelter-in-place or lock down drills should be conducted at least every 3 months. I recommend setting calendar reminders to help you keep track on when these are due. CONSULTATION All childcare facilities are required to test their drinking and cooking water for led every three years. Your water was last tested, 7/24/24. For more information, you should contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids. Contact www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org for more information. In addition, child care facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://rtiorg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vmlhG6iRS26BdkV8SZSaDw#/registration into your web browser. The deadline to complete this testing has been extended to 5/31/25. Training in all the required health and safety topics must be completed at least every 5 years. It may be time for your staff to complete this training again. Health and Safety training is available, at no charge, on the DCDEE website, in Moodle. There is a link to this training on Moodle. Medication Administration is also a required health and safety training topic. This training is available through Moodle as a separate training. Staff should use their individual NCID username and password to access this training. Staff should use their individual NCID username and password to access this training. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must also be completed at least every 5 years. AGENCY UPDATES Please remember to check the Division of Child Development and Early Education website: ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov frequently to stay updated on rule requirements. The Child Care Commission has published new rules related to the modernization of the Quality Rated License Improvement System. A link to this information is provided in the 1/24/25 RaiseNC newsletter. Once the rules are published there will be a 60-day public comment period. This is an opportunity to give input and ask questions regarding this process. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact me at wanda.fowler@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919 218-0988. 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: GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI SPRUCE TREE Facility ID: 92003454 Consultant: PAMELIA CARMON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1224-276A Visit Date: 12/27/2024 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 12/27/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 65 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 12:20 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. Marcela Clark, Assistant Head of School accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Clark. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The former head of school did not have a criminal background check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. the former head of school did not have a valid qualification letter on file during their employment from August 2024 through November 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) You may contact me Pamelia Carmon, Investigations Consultant at 919-280-2252, or pamelia.carmon@dhhs.nc.gov or Sheronda Harris, Investigations Supervisor at Sheronda.harris@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

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI SPRUCE TREE Facility ID: 92003454 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/27/2024 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 8/27/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 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 applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. This documentation was reviewed with you and a copy of the visit summary documentation was given to you at the end of the visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the center’s Assistant Head of School, Maricela Clarke, and we conducted a general walk through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed groups of children engaged in free play in their classrooms and on the playground. In some of the rooms I observed children having morning snack and I also observed infant rest time. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 1-star rated license issued on 3/27/18. During today’s visit, I noticed that the center is accredited through COGNIA. If the accreditation includes a preschool certification, the center would be eligible to receive 5 stars based on the revised rated license process. The new license could be issued now, however, there may be additional requirements to achieve the five stars once the new Quality Rated Improvement System is finalized. Please contact me if you would like more information. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was completed on 7/3/24. The last fire inspection was completed 9/18/23. If you have not already done so, you should call your fire inspector to schedule this visit. The last documented fire drill was conducted 6/12/24. The last documented lock down or shelter-in-place drill was conducted 6/26/24. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 8/7/24. MONITORING During this visit a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. Items listed on the Annual Compliance Checklist for Centers were monitored The status of the owner, Guidepost FIC A, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State’s website. Staff on-going training was assessed from 10/1/23 – 9/30/24. All staff who have not completed their required number of ongoing training hours should do so by the end of September. The following violations were observed and recorded during today’s visit: 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. There was no acknowledgment that this information was received in one of the children's files viewed today. GS 110-102 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Three feeding plans were not updated as the child's nutritional needs changed. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last documented fire drill was completed 6/12/24. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Pedals were missing from 3 tricycles, the soil has eroded, resulting in exposed roots which pose a tripping hazard and the vinyl is torn on the platform of a climbing structure which leaves a potentially sharp edge and leaves the metal exposed to the weather. 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. The janitorial closets and the mechanical room were unlocked. .2820(b) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Many of the new employees' medical report was dated after their hire date and one employee did not have a medical report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Many new staff member's test results were dated after their hire date, and one employee's test results were more than one year old. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The qualification letters for six new employees were dated after their hire date. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. None of the employees hired within the last year had documentation confirming that orientation was completed. .1101(a) 1308 Application did not include the names of individuals to whom the center may release the child, as authorized by the person who signs the application. This information was missing from one child's file that was reviewed today. .0801(a)(7) 1314 Emergency information did not name childs health care professional.The hospital preference was not listed in one child's files that was reviewed today. .0802(c)(2) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. This information was missing from one of the children's files reviewed today. .1005(b)(4) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. ONe child's immunization record was missing from their 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. This information was missing from one of the children's files that was reviewed today. .1804(c) 1790 A statement acknowledging the parental decision to opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center was not signed by the parent and/or maintained on file at the center. This information was missing from one the children's files that was reviewed today. .0901(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. There is less than 6 inches of mulch in the fall zone areas around all three climbing structures. .0605(k)(1-4) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. This information was missing from one of the children's files that was reviewed today. .0608(b)(1-6) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 9/10/24 please email me a signed letter of compliance. Before the letter is sent, all violations should be corrected; please contact me if additional time is needed to correct a specific violation. Include the following in your letter: facility ID number, list the item number describing how and when the violations were corrected and tell me how you plan to maintain compliance in the future with each item. If you prefer to mail your letter, you may send it my attention at 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 If the compliance action letter is not received by the due date another visit to the center may be made. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score for the center was 96%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The center is responsible for ensuring that equipment and furnishings are in good repair and that all potentially hazardous materials are stored in locked cares they do not pose a safety hazard. Today there were several safety concerns observed on the playground; there were pedals missing from tricycles that may pose a puncture risk, should a child fall, there is exposed metal on the platform of one of the climbing structures that could cause injury if the child fell, there was insufficient protective surfacing around the fall zones on all three climbing structures and exposed roots on the middle playground which pose a tripping hazard. In addition, the janitorial and mechanical closets were unlocked. This was corrected during today’s visit. Pedals were put on two of the three tricycles during today’s visit. During your daily playground checks and your monthly inspections, you should take a moment to look at the toys and playground facilities and note any needed repairs. It may be helpful to develop a system when teachers, who use the space daily, can report any concerns. Staff should also be reminded to lock the mechanical and janitorial closets when they leave these spaces. Children 15 months and younger should have a current feeding schedule to ensure that the parent’s instructions for meals are followed. Please update the outdated feeding schedules and remind staff to make notations on the feeding forms as parents give the new instructions. The children’s files are completed and stored electronically. While I was reviewing the online documents, one document which called the Policy Acknowledgement was not stored with the child’s files, so there was no authorization for who the center can release the child, for children to play outside the fenced areas and nutrition opt out forms. There was also acknowledgement that the parent had received a summary of the law, discipline and shaken baby policy. These documents are required to ensure that the children are cared for in a manner that meets the parent’s expectations and that parent’s understand the center’s day to day policies. Whether the forms are stored electronically or in paper files, the children’s file checklist can be used to ensure that all file requirements are met. This document is available on the DCDEE website, in the provider’s documents section. Fire drills should be conducted monthly and documented on the DCDEE form. The purpose in fire drills and other emergency drills is practice these procedures so that staff and children are prepared and know how to respond in the event of an emergency. I recommend setting a calendar reminder to help you remember to conduct these drills. Several of your new staff member’s medical report and tb tests were dated after their employment date. These forms should be completed prior to employment. This ensure that they do not have a communicable disease or any health or emotional conditions that indicate that they should not be working with young children. Moving forward, all staff should provide these completed forms to you before they begin work. Forms that were previously completed and are less than 1 year can be accepted. Staff orientation is vital to a new employees’ success in the center. There was certificates in the files indicating that they had received orientation, but the orientation was not documented on the form, to indicate that staff received orientation in all the required topics, in the timeline required. As orientation is completed, complete the log and then have employees’ sign the orientation form when all orientation is completed. Six new employees’ qualification letters were dated past their hire date. This is a pre employment requirement and no staff member should be working without a current, valid qualification letter. This ensure that they have been fully vetted and have not been convicted of a crime that may pose a risk to children. . CONSULTATION Your EPR plan was last updated in September 2024. Once your new director is onboard, this plan should be updated to include her information and my information, as your new child care consultant. The children’s files are stored electronically. I was able to review a sampling of these files during today’s visit. However, best practice would be to have a paper copy of the children’s application information so you would have the parent’s information, emergency contact and pick up authorization and permission to seek medical treatment for the child, so that this information would be readily available in the event of a emergency or if the center loses internet service. In addition, child care facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://rtiorg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vmlhG6iRS26BdkV8SZSaDw#/registration into your web browser. Additional information can be found in the RaiseNC newsletter sent on December 7, 2023. Training in all the required health and safety topics must be completed at least every 5 years. It may be time for your staff to complete this training again. Health and Safety training is available, at no charge, on the DCDEE website, in Moodle. Medication Administration is also a required health and safety training topic. This training is available through Moodle as a separate training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must also be completed at least every 5 years. There is a link to this training on Moodle. AGENCY UPDATES Please check the DCDEE website frequently for updates and changes to child care requirements. If you have any further questions or need any assistance, please contact me at wanda.fowler@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919 218-0988. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI SPRUCE TREE Facility ID: 92003454 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/27/2024 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 8/27/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 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 applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. This documentation was reviewed with you and a copy of the visit summary documentation was given to you at the end of the visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the center’s Assistant Head of School, Maricela Clarke, and we conducted a general walk through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed groups of children engaged in free play in their classrooms and on the playground. In some of the rooms I observed children having morning snack and I also observed infant rest time. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 1-star rated license issued on 3/27/18. During today’s visit, I noticed that the center is accredited through COGNIA. If the accreditation includes a preschool certification, the center would be eligible to receive 5 stars based on the revised rated license process. The new license could be issued now, however, there may be additional requirements to achieve the five stars once the new Quality Rated Improvement System is finalized. Please contact me if you would like more information. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was completed on 7/3/24. The last fire inspection was completed 9/18/23. If you have not already done so, you should call your fire inspector to schedule this visit. The last documented fire drill was conducted 6/12/24. The last documented lock down or shelter-in-place drill was conducted 6/26/24. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 8/7/24. MONITORING During this visit a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. Items listed on the Annual Compliance Checklist for Centers were monitored The status of the owner, Guidepost FIC A, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State’s website. Staff on-going training was assessed from 10/1/23 – 9/30/24. All staff who have not completed their required number of ongoing training hours should do so by the end of September. The following violations were observed and recorded during today’s visit: 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. There was no acknowledgment that this information was received in one of the children's files viewed today. GS 110-102 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Three feeding plans were not updated as the child's nutritional needs changed. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last documented fire drill was completed 6/12/24. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Pedals were missing from 3 tricycles, the soil has eroded, resulting in exposed roots which pose a tripping hazard and the vinyl is torn on the platform of a climbing structure which leaves a potentially sharp edge and leaves the metal exposed to the weather. 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. The janitorial closets and the mechanical room were unlocked. .2820(b) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Many of the new employees' medical report was dated after their hire date and one employee did not have a medical report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Many new staff member's test results were dated after their hire date, and one employee's test results were more than one year old. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The qualification letters for six new employees were dated after their hire date. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. None of the employees hired within the last year had documentation confirming that orientation was completed. .1101(a) 1308 Application did not include the names of individuals to whom the center may release the child, as authorized by the person who signs the application. This information was missing from one child's file that was reviewed today. .0801(a)(7) 1314 Emergency information did not name childs health care professional.The hospital preference was not listed in one child's files that was reviewed today. .0802(c)(2) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. This information was missing from one of the children's files reviewed today. .1005(b)(4) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. ONe child's immunization record was missing from their 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. This information was missing from one of the children's files that was reviewed today. .1804(c) 1790 A statement acknowledging the parental decision to opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center was not signed by the parent and/or maintained on file at the center. This information was missing from one the children's files that was reviewed today. .0901(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. There is less than 6 inches of mulch in the fall zone areas around all three climbing structures. .0605(k)(1-4) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. This information was missing from one of the children's files that was reviewed today. .0608(b)(1-6) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 9/10/24 please email me a signed letter of compliance. Before the letter is sent, all violations should be corrected; please contact me if additional time is needed to correct a specific violation. Include the following in your letter: facility ID number, list the item number describing how and when the violations were corrected and tell me how you plan to maintain compliance in the future with each item. If you prefer to mail your letter, you may send it my attention at 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 If the compliance action letter is not received by the due date another visit to the center may be made. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score for the center was 96%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The center is responsible for ensuring that equipment and furnishings are in good repair and that all potentially hazardous materials are stored in locked cares they do not pose a safety hazard. Today there were several safety concerns observed on the playground; there were pedals missing from tricycles that may pose a puncture risk, should a child fall, there is exposed metal on the platform of one of the climbing structures that could cause injury if the child fell, there was insufficient protective surfacing around the fall zones on all three climbing structures and exposed roots on the middle playground which pose a tripping hazard. In addition, the janitorial and mechanical closets were unlocked. This was corrected during today’s visit. Pedals were put on two of the three tricycles during today’s visit. During your daily playground checks and your monthly inspections, you should take a moment to look at the toys and playground facilities and note any needed repairs. It may be helpful to develop a system when teachers, who use the space daily, can report any concerns. Staff should also be reminded to lock the mechanical and janitorial closets when they leave these spaces. Children 15 months and younger should have a current feeding schedule to ensure that the parent’s instructions for meals are followed. Please update the outdated feeding schedules and remind staff to make notations on the feeding forms as parents give the new instructions. The children’s files are completed and stored electronically. While I was reviewing the online documents, one document which called the Policy Acknowledgement was not stored with the child’s files, so there was no authorization for who the center can release the child, for children to play outside the fenced areas and nutrition opt out forms. There was also acknowledgement that the parent had received a summary of the law, discipline and shaken baby policy. These documents are required to ensure that the children are cared for in a manner that meets the parent’s expectations and that parent’s understand the center’s day to day policies. Whether the forms are stored electronically or in paper files, the children’s file checklist can be used to ensure that all file requirements are met. This document is available on the DCDEE website, in the provider’s documents section. Fire drills should be conducted monthly and documented on the DCDEE form. The purpose in fire drills and other emergency drills is practice these procedures so that staff and children are prepared and know how to respond in the event of an emergency. I recommend setting a calendar reminder to help you remember to conduct these drills. Several of your new staff member’s medical report and tb tests were dated after their employment date. These forms should be completed prior to employment. This ensure that they do not have a communicable disease or any health or emotional conditions that indicate that they should not be working with young children. Moving forward, all staff should provide these completed forms to you before they begin work. Forms that were previously completed and are less than 1 year can be accepted. Staff orientation is vital to a new employees’ success in the center. There was certificates in the files indicating that they had received orientation, but the orientation was not documented on the form, to indicate that staff received orientation in all the required topics, in the timeline required. As orientation is completed, complete the log and then have employees’ sign the orientation form when all orientation is completed. Six new employees’ qualification letters were dated past their hire date. This is a pre employment requirement and no staff member should be working without a current, valid qualification letter. This ensure that they have been fully vetted and have not been convicted of a crime that may pose a risk to children. . CONSULTATION Your EPR plan was last updated in September 2024. Once your new director is onboard, this plan should be updated to include her information and my information, as your new child care consultant. The children’s files are stored electronically. I was able to review a sampling of these files during today’s visit. However, best practice would be to have a paper copy of the children’s application information so you would have the parent’s information, emergency contact and pick up authorization and permission to seek medical treatment for the child, so that this information would be readily available in the event of a emergency or if the center loses internet service. In addition, child care facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://rtiorg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vmlhG6iRS26BdkV8SZSaDw#/registration into your web browser. Additional information can be found in the RaiseNC newsletter sent on December 7, 2023. Training in all the required health and safety topics must be completed at least every 5 years. It may be time for your staff to complete this training again. Health and Safety training is available, at no charge, on the DCDEE website, in Moodle. Medication Administration is also a required health and safety training topic. This training is available through Moodle as a separate training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must also be completed at least every 5 years. There is a link to this training on Moodle. AGENCY UPDATES Please check the DCDEE website frequently for updates and changes to child care requirements. If you have any further questions or need any assistance, please contact me at wanda.fowler@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919 218-0988. 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: GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI SPRUCE TREE Facility ID: 92003454 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/27/2024 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 8/27/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 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 applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. This documentation was reviewed with you and a copy of the visit summary documentation was given to you at the end of the visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the center’s Assistant Head of School, Maricela Clarke, and we conducted a general walk through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed groups of children engaged in free play in their classrooms and on the playground. In some of the rooms I observed children having morning snack and I also observed infant rest time. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 1-star rated license issued on 3/27/18. During today’s visit, I noticed that the center is accredited through COGNIA. If the accreditation includes a preschool certification, the center would be eligible to receive 5 stars based on the revised rated license process. The new license could be issued now, however, there may be additional requirements to achieve the five stars once the new Quality Rated Improvement System is finalized. Please contact me if you would like more information. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was completed on 7/3/24. The last fire inspection was completed 9/18/23. If you have not already done so, you should call your fire inspector to schedule this visit. The last documented fire drill was conducted 6/12/24. The last documented lock down or shelter-in-place drill was conducted 6/26/24. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 8/7/24. MONITORING During this visit a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. Items listed on the Annual Compliance Checklist for Centers were monitored The status of the owner, Guidepost FIC A, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State’s website. Staff on-going training was assessed from 10/1/23 – 9/30/24. All staff who have not completed their required number of ongoing training hours should do so by the end of September. The following violations were observed and recorded during today’s visit: 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. There was no acknowledgment that this information was received in one of the children's files viewed today. GS 110-102 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Three feeding plans were not updated as the child's nutritional needs changed. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last documented fire drill was completed 6/12/24. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Pedals were missing from 3 tricycles, the soil has eroded, resulting in exposed roots which pose a tripping hazard and the vinyl is torn on the platform of a climbing structure which leaves a potentially sharp edge and leaves the metal exposed to the weather. 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. The janitorial closets and the mechanical room were unlocked. .2820(b) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Many of the new employees' medical report was dated after their hire date and one employee did not have a medical report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Many new staff member's test results were dated after their hire date, and one employee's test results were more than one year old. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The qualification letters for six new employees were dated after their hire date. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. None of the employees hired within the last year had documentation confirming that orientation was completed. .1101(a) 1308 Application did not include the names of individuals to whom the center may release the child, as authorized by the person who signs the application. This information was missing from one child's file that was reviewed today. .0801(a)(7) 1314 Emergency information did not name childs health care professional.The hospital preference was not listed in one child's files that was reviewed today. .0802(c)(2) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. This information was missing from one of the children's files reviewed today. .1005(b)(4) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. ONe child's immunization record was missing from their 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. This information was missing from one of the children's files that was reviewed today. .1804(c) 1790 A statement acknowledging the parental decision to opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center was not signed by the parent and/or maintained on file at the center. This information was missing from one the children's files that was reviewed today. .0901(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. There is less than 6 inches of mulch in the fall zone areas around all three climbing structures. .0605(k)(1-4) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. This information was missing from one of the children's files that was reviewed today. .0608(b)(1-6) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 9/10/24 please email me a signed letter of compliance. Before the letter is sent, all violations should be corrected; please contact me if additional time is needed to correct a specific violation. Include the following in your letter: facility ID number, list the item number describing how and when the violations were corrected and tell me how you plan to maintain compliance in the future with each item. If you prefer to mail your letter, you may send it my attention at 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 If the compliance action letter is not received by the due date another visit to the center may be made. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score for the center was 96%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The center is responsible for ensuring that equipment and furnishings are in good repair and that all potentially hazardous materials are stored in locked cares they do not pose a safety hazard. Today there were several safety concerns observed on the playground; there were pedals missing from tricycles that may pose a puncture risk, should a child fall, there is exposed metal on the platform of one of the climbing structures that could cause injury if the child fell, there was insufficient protective surfacing around the fall zones on all three climbing structures and exposed roots on the middle playground which pose a tripping hazard. In addition, the janitorial and mechanical closets were unlocked. This was corrected during today’s visit. Pedals were put on two of the three tricycles during today’s visit. During your daily playground checks and your monthly inspections, you should take a moment to look at the toys and playground facilities and note any needed repairs. It may be helpful to develop a system when teachers, who use the space daily, can report any concerns. Staff should also be reminded to lock the mechanical and janitorial closets when they leave these spaces. Children 15 months and younger should have a current feeding schedule to ensure that the parent’s instructions for meals are followed. Please update the outdated feeding schedules and remind staff to make notations on the feeding forms as parents give the new instructions. The children’s files are completed and stored electronically. While I was reviewing the online documents, one document which called the Policy Acknowledgement was not stored with the child’s files, so there was no authorization for who the center can release the child, for children to play outside the fenced areas and nutrition opt out forms. There was also acknowledgement that the parent had received a summary of the law, discipline and shaken baby policy. These documents are required to ensure that the children are cared for in a manner that meets the parent’s expectations and that parent’s understand the center’s day to day policies. Whether the forms are stored electronically or in paper files, the children’s file checklist can be used to ensure that all file requirements are met. This document is available on the DCDEE website, in the provider’s documents section. Fire drills should be conducted monthly and documented on the DCDEE form. The purpose in fire drills and other emergency drills is practice these procedures so that staff and children are prepared and know how to respond in the event of an emergency. I recommend setting a calendar reminder to help you remember to conduct these drills. Several of your new staff member’s medical report and tb tests were dated after their employment date. These forms should be completed prior to employment. This ensure that they do not have a communicable disease or any health or emotional conditions that indicate that they should not be working with young children. Moving forward, all staff should provide these completed forms to you before they begin work. Forms that were previously completed and are less than 1 year can be accepted. Staff orientation is vital to a new employees’ success in the center. There was certificates in the files indicating that they had received orientation, but the orientation was not documented on the form, to indicate that staff received orientation in all the required topics, in the timeline required. As orientation is completed, complete the log and then have employees’ sign the orientation form when all orientation is completed. Six new employees’ qualification letters were dated past their hire date. This is a pre employment requirement and no staff member should be working without a current, valid qualification letter. This ensure that they have been fully vetted and have not been convicted of a crime that may pose a risk to children. . CONSULTATION Your EPR plan was last updated in September 2024. Once your new director is onboard, this plan should be updated to include her information and my information, as your new child care consultant. The children’s files are stored electronically. I was able to review a sampling of these files during today’s visit. However, best practice would be to have a paper copy of the children’s application information so you would have the parent’s information, emergency contact and pick up authorization and permission to seek medical treatment for the child, so that this information would be readily available in the event of a emergency or if the center loses internet service. In addition, child care facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://rtiorg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vmlhG6iRS26BdkV8SZSaDw#/registration into your web browser. Additional information can be found in the RaiseNC newsletter sent on December 7, 2023. Training in all the required health and safety topics must be completed at least every 5 years. It may be time for your staff to complete this training again. Health and Safety training is available, at no charge, on the DCDEE website, in Moodle. Medication Administration is also a required health and safety training topic. This training is available through Moodle as a separate training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must also be completed at least every 5 years. There is a link to this training on Moodle. AGENCY UPDATES Please check the DCDEE website frequently for updates and changes to child care requirements. If you have any further questions or need any assistance, please contact me at wanda.fowler@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919 218-0988. 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: GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI SPRUCE TREE Facility ID: 92003454 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/27/2024 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 8/27/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 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 applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. This documentation was reviewed with you and a copy of the visit summary documentation was given to you at the end of the visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the center’s Assistant Head of School, Maricela Clarke, and we conducted a general walk through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed groups of children engaged in free play in their classrooms and on the playground. In some of the rooms I observed children having morning snack and I also observed infant rest time. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 1-star rated license issued on 3/27/18. During today’s visit, I noticed that the center is accredited through COGNIA. If the accreditation includes a preschool certification, the center would be eligible to receive 5 stars based on the revised rated license process. The new license could be issued now, however, there may be additional requirements to achieve the five stars once the new Quality Rated Improvement System is finalized. Please contact me if you would like more information. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was completed on 7/3/24. The last fire inspection was completed 9/18/23. If you have not already done so, you should call your fire inspector to schedule this visit. The last documented fire drill was conducted 6/12/24. The last documented lock down or shelter-in-place drill was conducted 6/26/24. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 8/7/24. MONITORING During this visit a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. Items listed on the Annual Compliance Checklist for Centers were monitored The status of the owner, Guidepost FIC A, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State’s website. Staff on-going training was assessed from 10/1/23 – 9/30/24. All staff who have not completed their required number of ongoing training hours should do so by the end of September. The following violations were observed and recorded during today’s visit: 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. There was no acknowledgment that this information was received in one of the children's files viewed today. GS 110-102 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Three feeding plans were not updated as the child's nutritional needs changed. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last documented fire drill was completed 6/12/24. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Pedals were missing from 3 tricycles, the soil has eroded, resulting in exposed roots which pose a tripping hazard and the vinyl is torn on the platform of a climbing structure which leaves a potentially sharp edge and leaves the metal exposed to the weather. 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. The janitorial closets and the mechanical room were unlocked. .2820(b) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Many of the new employees' medical report was dated after their hire date and one employee did not have a medical report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Many new staff member's test results were dated after their hire date, and one employee's test results were more than one year old. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The qualification letters for six new employees were dated after their hire date. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. None of the employees hired within the last year had documentation confirming that orientation was completed. .1101(a) 1308 Application did not include the names of individuals to whom the center may release the child, as authorized by the person who signs the application. This information was missing from one child's file that was reviewed today. .0801(a)(7) 1314 Emergency information did not name childs health care professional.The hospital preference was not listed in one child's files that was reviewed today. .0802(c)(2) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. This information was missing from one of the children's files reviewed today. .1005(b)(4) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. ONe child's immunization record was missing from their 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. This information was missing from one of the children's files that was reviewed today. .1804(c) 1790 A statement acknowledging the parental decision to opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center was not signed by the parent and/or maintained on file at the center. This information was missing from one the children's files that was reviewed today. .0901(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. There is less than 6 inches of mulch in the fall zone areas around all three climbing structures. .0605(k)(1-4) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. This information was missing from one of the children's files that was reviewed today. .0608(b)(1-6) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 9/10/24 please email me a signed letter of compliance. Before the letter is sent, all violations should be corrected; please contact me if additional time is needed to correct a specific violation. Include the following in your letter: facility ID number, list the item number describing how and when the violations were corrected and tell me how you plan to maintain compliance in the future with each item. If you prefer to mail your letter, you may send it my attention at 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 If the compliance action letter is not received by the due date another visit to the center may be made. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score for the center was 96%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The center is responsible for ensuring that equipment and furnishings are in good repair and that all potentially hazardous materials are stored in locked cares they do not pose a safety hazard. Today there were several safety concerns observed on the playground; there were pedals missing from tricycles that may pose a puncture risk, should a child fall, there is exposed metal on the platform of one of the climbing structures that could cause injury if the child fell, there was insufficient protective surfacing around the fall zones on all three climbing structures and exposed roots on the middle playground which pose a tripping hazard. In addition, the janitorial and mechanical closets were unlocked. This was corrected during today’s visit. Pedals were put on two of the three tricycles during today’s visit. During your daily playground checks and your monthly inspections, you should take a moment to look at the toys and playground facilities and note any needed repairs. It may be helpful to develop a system when teachers, who use the space daily, can report any concerns. Staff should also be reminded to lock the mechanical and janitorial closets when they leave these spaces. Children 15 months and younger should have a current feeding schedule to ensure that the parent’s instructions for meals are followed. Please update the outdated feeding schedules and remind staff to make notations on the feeding forms as parents give the new instructions. The children’s files are completed and stored electronically. While I was reviewing the online documents, one document which called the Policy Acknowledgement was not stored with the child’s files, so there was no authorization for who the center can release the child, for children to play outside the fenced areas and nutrition opt out forms. There was also acknowledgement that the parent had received a summary of the law, discipline and shaken baby policy. These documents are required to ensure that the children are cared for in a manner that meets the parent’s expectations and that parent’s understand the center’s day to day policies. Whether the forms are stored electronically or in paper files, the children’s file checklist can be used to ensure that all file requirements are met. This document is available on the DCDEE website, in the provider’s documents section. Fire drills should be conducted monthly and documented on the DCDEE form. The purpose in fire drills and other emergency drills is practice these procedures so that staff and children are prepared and know how to respond in the event of an emergency. I recommend setting a calendar reminder to help you remember to conduct these drills. Several of your new staff member’s medical report and tb tests were dated after their employment date. These forms should be completed prior to employment. This ensure that they do not have a communicable disease or any health or emotional conditions that indicate that they should not be working with young children. Moving forward, all staff should provide these completed forms to you before they begin work. Forms that were previously completed and are less than 1 year can be accepted. Staff orientation is vital to a new employees’ success in the center. There was certificates in the files indicating that they had received orientation, but the orientation was not documented on the form, to indicate that staff received orientation in all the required topics, in the timeline required. As orientation is completed, complete the log and then have employees’ sign the orientation form when all orientation is completed. Six new employees’ qualification letters were dated past their hire date. This is a pre employment requirement and no staff member should be working without a current, valid qualification letter. This ensure that they have been fully vetted and have not been convicted of a crime that may pose a risk to children. . CONSULTATION Your EPR plan was last updated in September 2024. Once your new director is onboard, this plan should be updated to include her information and my information, as your new child care consultant. The children’s files are stored electronically. I was able to review a sampling of these files during today’s visit. However, best practice would be to have a paper copy of the children’s application information so you would have the parent’s information, emergency contact and pick up authorization and permission to seek medical treatment for the child, so that this information would be readily available in the event of a emergency or if the center loses internet service. In addition, child care facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://rtiorg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vmlhG6iRS26BdkV8SZSaDw#/registration into your web browser. Additional information can be found in the RaiseNC newsletter sent on December 7, 2023. Training in all the required health and safety topics must be completed at least every 5 years. It may be time for your staff to complete this training again. Health and Safety training is available, at no charge, on the DCDEE website, in Moodle. Medication Administration is also a required health and safety training topic. This training is available through Moodle as a separate training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must also be completed at least every 5 years. There is a link to this training on Moodle. AGENCY UPDATES Please check the DCDEE website frequently for updates and changes to child care requirements. If you have any further questions or need any assistance, please contact me at wanda.fowler@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919 218-0988. 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: GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI SPRUCE TREE Facility ID: 92003454 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/27/2024 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 8/27/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:00 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 applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. This documentation was reviewed with you and a copy of the visit summary documentation was given to you at the end of the visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the center’s Assistant Head of School, Maricela Clarke, and we conducted a general walk through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed groups of children engaged in free play in their classrooms and on the playground. In some of the rooms I observed children having morning snack and I also observed infant rest time. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 1-star rated license issued on 3/27/18. During today’s visit, I noticed that the center is accredited through COGNIA. If the accreditation includes a preschool certification, the center would be eligible to receive 5 stars based on the revised rated license process. The new license could be issued now, however, there may be additional requirements to achieve the five stars once the new Quality Rated Improvement System is finalized. Please contact me if you would like more information. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was completed on 7/3/24. The last fire inspection was completed 9/18/23. If you have not already done so, you should call your fire inspector to schedule this visit. The last documented fire drill was conducted 6/12/24. The last documented lock down or shelter-in-place drill was conducted 6/26/24. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 8/7/24. MONITORING During this visit a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. Items listed on the Annual Compliance Checklist for Centers were monitored The status of the owner, Guidepost FIC A, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State’s website. Staff on-going training was assessed from 10/1/23 – 9/30/24. All staff who have not completed their required number of ongoing training hours should do so by the end of September. The following violations were observed and recorded during today’s visit: 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. There was no acknowledgment that this information was received in one of the children's files viewed today. GS 110-102 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. Three feeding plans were not updated as the child's nutritional needs changed. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last documented fire drill was completed 6/12/24. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Pedals were missing from 3 tricycles, the soil has eroded, resulting in exposed roots which pose a tripping hazard and the vinyl is torn on the platform of a climbing structure which leaves a potentially sharp edge and leaves the metal exposed to the weather. 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. The janitorial closets and the mechanical room were unlocked. .2820(b) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Many of the new employees' medical report was dated after their hire date and one employee did not have a medical report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Many new staff member's test results were dated after their hire date, and one employee's test results were more than one year old. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. The qualification letters for six new employees were dated after their hire date. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. None of the employees hired within the last year had documentation confirming that orientation was completed. .1101(a) 1308 Application did not include the names of individuals to whom the center may release the child, as authorized by the person who signs the application. This information was missing from one child's file that was reviewed today. .0801(a)(7) 1314 Emergency information did not name childs health care professional.The hospital preference was not listed in one child's files that was reviewed today. .0802(c)(2) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. This information was missing from one of the children's files reviewed today. .1005(b)(4) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. ONe child's immunization record was missing from their 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. This information was missing from one of the children's files that was reviewed today. .1804(c) 1790 A statement acknowledging the parental decision to opt out of the supplemental food provided by the center was not signed by the parent and/or maintained on file at the center. This information was missing from one the children's files that was reviewed today. .0901(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. There is less than 6 inches of mulch in the fall zone areas around all three climbing structures. .0605(k)(1-4) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. This information was missing from one of the children's files that was reviewed today. .0608(b)(1-6) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 9/10/24 please email me a signed letter of compliance. Before the letter is sent, all violations should be corrected; please contact me if additional time is needed to correct a specific violation. Include the following in your letter: facility ID number, list the item number describing how and when the violations were corrected and tell me how you plan to maintain compliance in the future with each item. If you prefer to mail your letter, you may send it my attention at 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 If the compliance action letter is not received by the due date another visit to the center may be made. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score for the center was 96%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The center is responsible for ensuring that equipment and furnishings are in good repair and that all potentially hazardous materials are stored in locked cares they do not pose a safety hazard. Today there were several safety concerns observed on the playground; there were pedals missing from tricycles that may pose a puncture risk, should a child fall, there is exposed metal on the platform of one of the climbing structures that could cause injury if the child fell, there was insufficient protective surfacing around the fall zones on all three climbing structures and exposed roots on the middle playground which pose a tripping hazard. In addition, the janitorial and mechanical closets were unlocked. This was corrected during today’s visit. Pedals were put on two of the three tricycles during today’s visit. During your daily playground checks and your monthly inspections, you should take a moment to look at the toys and playground facilities and note any needed repairs. It may be helpful to develop a system when teachers, who use the space daily, can report any concerns. Staff should also be reminded to lock the mechanical and janitorial closets when they leave these spaces. Children 15 months and younger should have a current feeding schedule to ensure that the parent’s instructions for meals are followed. Please update the outdated feeding schedules and remind staff to make notations on the feeding forms as parents give the new instructions. The children’s files are completed and stored electronically. While I was reviewing the online documents, one document which called the Policy Acknowledgement was not stored with the child’s files, so there was no authorization for who the center can release the child, for children to play outside the fenced areas and nutrition opt out forms. There was also acknowledgement that the parent had received a summary of the law, discipline and shaken baby policy. These documents are required to ensure that the children are cared for in a manner that meets the parent’s expectations and that parent’s understand the center’s day to day policies. Whether the forms are stored electronically or in paper files, the children’s file checklist can be used to ensure that all file requirements are met. This document is available on the DCDEE website, in the provider’s documents section. Fire drills should be conducted monthly and documented on the DCDEE form. The purpose in fire drills and other emergency drills is practice these procedures so that staff and children are prepared and know how to respond in the event of an emergency. I recommend setting a calendar reminder to help you remember to conduct these drills. Several of your new staff member’s medical report and tb tests were dated after their employment date. These forms should be completed prior to employment. This ensure that they do not have a communicable disease or any health or emotional conditions that indicate that they should not be working with young children. Moving forward, all staff should provide these completed forms to you before they begin work. Forms that were previously completed and are less than 1 year can be accepted. Staff orientation is vital to a new employees’ success in the center. There was certificates in the files indicating that they had received orientation, but the orientation was not documented on the form, to indicate that staff received orientation in all the required topics, in the timeline required. As orientation is completed, complete the log and then have employees’ sign the orientation form when all orientation is completed. Six new employees’ qualification letters were dated past their hire date. This is a pre employment requirement and no staff member should be working without a current, valid qualification letter. This ensure that they have been fully vetted and have not been convicted of a crime that may pose a risk to children. . CONSULTATION Your EPR plan was last updated in September 2024. Once your new director is onboard, this plan should be updated to include her information and my information, as your new child care consultant. The children’s files are stored electronically. I was able to review a sampling of these files during today’s visit. However, best practice would be to have a paper copy of the children’s application information so you would have the parent’s information, emergency contact and pick up authorization and permission to seek medical treatment for the child, so that this information would be readily available in the event of a emergency or if the center loses internet service. In addition, child care facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://rtiorg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vmlhG6iRS26BdkV8SZSaDw#/registration into your web browser. Additional information can be found in the RaiseNC newsletter sent on December 7, 2023. Training in all the required health and safety topics must be completed at least every 5 years. It may be time for your staff to complete this training again. Health and Safety training is available, at no charge, on the DCDEE website, in Moodle. Medication Administration is also a required health and safety training topic. This training is available through Moodle as a separate training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Staff should use their individual NCID user name and password to access this training. Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment must also be completed at least every 5 years. There is a link to this training on Moodle. AGENCY UPDATES Please check the DCDEE website frequently for updates and changes to child care requirements. If you have any further questions or need any assistance, please contact me at wanda.fowler@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919 218-0988. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: GUIDEPOST MONTESSORI SPRUCE TREE Facility ID: 92003454 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/5/2023 Number Present: 102 Completed Date: 9/5/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 196 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:46 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 conducted on September 7th, 2022. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. All staff and children’s records and children’s files were not reviewed today due to the change of administration, staff and training worksheets not complete and the files in the process of being converted from paper to electronic. A return visit will be made in the near future to review files. The center currently operates with a 1- star license, operating at 25sq. ft. inside, & minimum requirements. My visit was conducted with you, Belem Ponce, Director/Head of school. The children were observed participating in teacher directed and self-directed activities, snack, self-care & free play activities today both inside and outside. During the walkthrough to obtain enrollment and conduct my observations I monitored for required posted documents, interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements, equipment, furnishings, and medication requirements. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection= 7/14/2022 – the inspection for 2023 was not completed per requirements and a violation of childcare requirements was cited. *Sanitation inspection=1/3/2023- 18 demerits and a provisional rating. A reinspection on 1/10/2023 – 5 demerits and a superior rating. *On September 6th, 2023, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed Guidepost FIC A LLC. owner of the facility (Guidepost Montessori Spruce Tree) listed as current-active. * As of September 5th, 2023 the 18- month compliance history for the facility is 93%. Any violations cited during today's visit may affect this percentage. Facilities are expected to maintain at least a 75% compliance history over an 18 -month period. *The following violation was cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. A fire inspection due by July 14, 2022 was not completed per requirements. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) A violation of childcare requirements was cited during today's visit regarding fire inspection that is two months overdue. A correction action response is required concerning this violation and submitted within ten days of today's visit September 15th,2023. *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* • A violation of childcare requirements regarding fire inspections was cited today. The facility is required to obtain inspections of their fire alarm system, fire extinguishers, hood suppression if they have one prior to visiting the city of Raleigh website https://raleighnc.gov/safety/services/fire-inspections and click on day care inspection request on the form provided to request their inspection. Due to this inspection being almost two months over due this is required to be conducted immediately. • A preservice for administrators form was discussed during today's visit due to a change in director in the last few months. And requested its completion so I can update our system. Contact Information 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