Harps Mill Creative School

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: HARPS MILL CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92000717 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/27/2025 Number Present: 104 Completed Date: 10/27/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with child care requirements for an annual compliance assessment. This facility currently operates with a Five (5) Star License that was issued on 10-24-19. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 3-5-25 with an “Superior” classification. The last approved fire inspection was conducted on 2-28-24. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and this facility’s corporation’s name, Creative Schools, Inc. was listed as “Current-Active.” Today’s visit was conducted with you, Vanessa Price, center director. This facility has one (1) NC Pre-K classroom occupying space #4. The NC Pre-K program operates for a minimum of 7.0 hours a day from 8:00am – 3:00pm and attendance documenting time of arrival and departure is taken daily through the Tadpoles App on iPads. USDA approved meals are served and menus are planned at least one week in advance. The center uses the approved Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) as an early childhood teaching resource. The NC Pre-K classroom abides by a 1:9 staff/child ratio. NC Pre-K paperwork was reviewed during today’s visit. Children’s files were randomly selected verifying health assessments and/or developmental screenings were on file. The DCDEE NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool is being used this year as an electric document in a Google Drive, as well as the facility has a hard copy used as a guide to ensure compliance with NC Pre-K requirements. I monitored the eight (8) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision and engagement from the caregivers. The children were observed having music and movement on the carpet where they danced about to music, the children were engaged in activity centers, at the table with manipulatives, counting various items on the carpet, and the children completed toileting and handwashing routines as required. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were observed. Compliance with staff records was documented by you. New staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. Medications observed on the premises were monitored. This facility does provide transportation as there were two (2) buses on the premises. It was indicated that the bus with the license plate #FDF-2725 is not in use. The bus with the license plate #EMF-8035 is used to transport children and was monitored today. The following violation of child care requirements was cited during today’s visit and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. The laundry room door was unlocked making laundry detergent accessible to children. .0604(a) The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: Storage of Hazardous Items: Locking chemicals is essential for the safety of children. It prevents accidental exposure to hazardous substances, which can be harmful to children's health. Locking chemicals keeps them out of reach of children, reducing the risk of ingestion or contact with harmful substances. Today we discussed getting keypad locks and spring action latches that will automatically close the door and lock the door. These locks will ensure the doors are never left open unless the door does not tightly close, hence getting spring action latches for the doors closure. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Lead in water testing has not been completed with Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Your asbestos and lead in paint from Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids were completed on 8-14-24. An independent service was used for lead in water testing and during today’s visit it was suggested to complete testing through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. You stated that you requested a testing kit back in March, however a kit has not been received. Today you left a message for someone to contact you about receiving a testing kit to be mailed. As well you have linked your staff to the ABCMS portal. • We discussed that there are extra papers in your staff files. Please use the staff file checklist to eliminate additional paperwork that is not required in the file. • The Division of Child Development and Early Education’s QRIS modernization requirements went into effect July 1, 2025. These requirements replace the old point-based system with three flexible "Pathways to the Stars" for earning star ratings in program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation/Head Start. This new framework offers clear requirements for each star level within a pathway, expands education options for early childhood professionals, and focuses on continuous quality improvement and family/community engagement. You stated that you will be seeking licensure through Pathway 3 and have started the process for becoming NAEYC accredited. Today it was explained that you can review the QRIS requirements for the new rated license process on the DCDEE website https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more. • The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. Specialists are available with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. A flyer with the challenging behaviors hotline information was provided today. • The NC Institute for Child Development Professionals (NCICDP) began offering on-demand online trainings for Early Childhood professionals. Some sessions are developed originally as online trainings and others are live webinar events that were recorded and then adapted to an online on-demand format. Currently the NCICDP is offering these two trainings, Salary Scale Toolkit Level 1 Training and Professional Burnout in ECE: You Can’t Give to Others What You Don’t Have. Visit the online trainings at https://www.ncicdp.org/on-demand-trainings/. If there are any issues or questions about the Institute trainings, please reach out to Ashley Allen at ashleya@ncicdp.org and/or Erin Speer Smith at erins@ncicdp.org. • Did you know that if you do not login on to any of the DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. It is strongly suggested to set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. • The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time and cooperation. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact me. Bridggette Campbell 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: HARPS MILL CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92000717 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/4/2025 Number Present: 85 Completed Date: 4/4/2025 Age: From 0 To 8 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during a routine unannounced assessment. This facility operates with a Five (5) Star License issued on 10-24-19. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 10-28-24. Today’s visit was conducted with you, Vanessa Price, Center Director. Upon arrival to the facility, I was greeted by you. The caregivers engaged the children in circle time where they talked about their theme of the week, transportation. They reviewed the types of transportation on land, sea, and water and reviewed letters and numbers. The schoolagers made bird feeders out of toilet paper holders, covered in sun butter and seeds. The children also made carrots, coloring with orange crayons on white paper and gluing on a green construction paper top. Toileting and handwashing routines were completed as required. Today a walk-through was completed visiting the classrooms where children are in care. Compliance with capacity, supervision, discipline, attendance, program requirements, storage of hazardous substances, CPR & First Aid, permit restrictions, and the required postings were monitored as a partial assessment of applicable child care requirements. No new staff have been hired since the last visit. Medications and permission to administer medications were observed. The following violation of child care requirements was cited during today’s visit and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. In space #4 a bottle of Orange Gatorade was observed sitting on a shelf. .0901(i) The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: Nutrition: Role modeling plays a vital role in a child's development, and child care staff can help children learn healthy behaviors through modeling. Children learn by observing and copying the adults in their lives. When having beverages in the classroom, if the drinking vessel is clear, then the only beverages that should be in the classroom are healthy beverages that the children can consume (water, milk/milk substitute or 100% juice). It was suggested for staff to use drinking tumblers that are not see-through. • There were several permission slips that will expire this month. You stated that the medications have already been monitored and parents have been notified to update the permission slips. • Please connect/link you and your staff asap. Center directors/owners can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. The course is titled ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training - under the Early Childhood Professional Development Tab, then under the Criminal Background (CBC) tab. Ensure staff know their NCID Username and Password. If you need assistance, please reach out to the NCID Help Desk at 919-754-6000 or 800-722-3946, or visit https://it.nc.gov/support/ncid/reset-password-unlock-account. • An updated summary of the law poster was emailed to you today. Please post this most recent version of the summary of the law. • Please complete the asbestos and lead in water testing via the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website asap. There are results on the website for your lead in paint testing but not for lead in water and asbestos. • Hold harmless has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) (Star Rated License System) rules are implemented. The Governor signed Senate Bill 425 (now Session Law 2024-34), which includes the Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) modifications recommended to the Legislature by the NC Child Care Commission to update QRIS and create additional pathways for licensed child care facilities to earn star rated licenses. The proposed child care rules are proposed to go into effect August 2025. There will be three pathways for the QRIS: Modernization: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and national accreditation. The QRIS Modernization gives licensed centers and family child care homes more flexibility to demonstrate quality. The new framework aims to provide providers with the opportunity to shine for what they are confident and good at. If you missed the information sessions on the QRIS Modernization, you can now watch recordings of the webinars for parents and providers, including one with live Spanish translation. Check out the QRIS Modernization page for videos, new resources and updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. • Did you know that if you do not login on to any of the DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. It is strongly suggested to set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. • The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time and cooperation. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact me. Bridggette Campbell PO BOX 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 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: HARPS MILL CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92000717 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/28/2024 Number Present: 97 Completed Date: 10/28/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 11:10 AM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with child care requirements for an annual compliance assessment. This facility currently operates with a Five (5) Star License that was issued on 10-24-19. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 3-1-24 with an “Superior” classification. The last approved fire inspection was conducted on 2-29-24. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and this facility’s corporation’s name, Creative Schools, Inc. was listed as “Current-Active.” Today’s visit was conducted with you, Vanessa Price, new center director. This facility has one (1) NC Pre-K classroom occupying space #4. The NC Pre-K program operates for a minimum of 7.0 hours a day from 8:00am – 3:00pm and attendance documenting time of arrival and departure is taken daily through the Tadpoles App on iPads. USDA approved meals are served and menus are planned at least one week in advance. The center uses the approved Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) as an early childhood teaching resource. The NC Pre-K classroom abides by a 1:9 staff/child ratio. NC Pre-K paperwork was reviewed during today’s visit. Children’s files were randomly selected verifying health assessments and/or developmental screenings were on file. The DCDEE NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool is used as a guide to ensure compliance with NC Pre-K requirements. I monitored the eight (8) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision and engagement from the caregivers. The children were observed in circle time where a caregiver was reading a book to the children, outdoors on the playground engaged in gross motor play, the children were observed completing toileting and handwashing routines, engaged in activity centers, eating at the tables, and resting on cots with linens. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were observed. Compliance with staff records will be documented by you. New staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. Medications observed on the premises were monitored. This facility does provide transportation as there were two (2) buses on the premises. It was indicated that the bus with the license plate #FDF-2725 is not in use. The bus with the license plate #EMF-8035 is used to transport children and was monitored today. The following violations of child care requirements were cited during today’s visit and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in space #3 was dated November 25 - November 29, 2024. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Documentation of visual checks on sleeping infants in space #7b were not completed at least every 15 minutes as required. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) 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 file did not contain an immunization record as required. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A bottle of Gatorade was observed on the food prep counter in space #2. .0901(i) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File did not contain medication authorizations, medical action plans, the current allergy list, and current children's and staff emergency information. .0607(d)(10) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. One child's application did not include an allergy action plan for the child's allergy to eggs and nuts. .0801(b) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a letter must be sent to me no later than 11-11-24 stating how the items were corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a correction letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: Activity Plan: Complete weekly activity plans that are dated shall include developmentally appropriate activities for enrolled children. As a reminder, the dated activity plan shall include activities daily to stimulate the following five (5) developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: social/emotional development, health/physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development. In addition, activity plans must include each of these three (3) enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science/nature, and music/rhythm. It is strongly recommended that dated activity plan for the upcoming week be posted on Friday evening prior to closing. Then on Monday morning, a designated staff member should conduct a walk through of the facility to verify activity plans are posted and current. Creating consistent procedures helps maintain compliance with activity plans. Infant Sleep Checks: Documented sleep visual checks every 15 minutes are crucial to minimize the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by ensuring infants are breathing normally and positioned safely while sleeping. The documentation provides a record that proper monitoring is occurring, which is required by child care regulations and is considered best practice for infant care. The caregiver stated that she had asked for forms but did not have any forms to document sleep visual checks. It is suggested to make an abundance of copies of these blank forms and keep them in the classroom in a binder or folder for easy access. Monitor the count of these blank forms and when you see them running low, make additional copies. Immunizations: Documented immunization records are crucial for children in daycare because they help ensure that all children attending the facility are adequately protected against preventable diseases. It is recommended that you get immunizations and children’s physical examinations prior to enrollment, this way you are not trying to track down the parent after the child is in care. If there is an exemption requested a form was provided for you today that indicates a request an exemption from this immunization requirement on the grounds that such immunization(s) conflict with religious beliefs and practices. Modeling Healthy Eating Habits: It is important for caregivers to actively demonstrate drinking healthy options in front of children because it sets a positive example, helps children learn healthy eating habits by imitating their caregivers, and reinforces the message that water and nutritious drinks are the preferred choices for staying hydrated and healthy, especially at a young age when habits are being formed. It was suggested that if caregivers need to drink while in the classroom, then they can put their beverage in a cup where children aren’t able to see the beverage. Ready to Go File: The Ready to Go File requirement is crucial because it acts as a readily accessible collection of critical information needed to quickly respond to an emergency situation, allowing staff to efficiently evacuate children, contact parents, and address specific needs during a crisis, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the facility. Your Ready to Go File notebook needs to be updated with all of the required paperwork. A Ready to Go File checklist was provided today for you to ensure required paperwork is added to your notebook. Medical Action Plans: Medical action plans are crucial in child care centers because they provide clear, detailed instructions on how to manage a child's specific medical needs, ensuring staff can respond appropriately and safely in case of a medical emergency, especially for children with allergies, asthma, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, effectively preventing complications and protecting the child's health while in care. It is suggested that before you receive medication, that the parent complete or bring you the completed medical action plan and completed permission slip. Informing parents during their tour of your center and when providing information about requirements and expectations can eliminate confusion regarding what must accompany medications. • Please send me your completed staff and training worksheets asap. • Please send me your completed preservice requirements for administrators form asap. • You stated that the bus is not used, however it was reiterated to not transport children in your bus with the license plate #FDF-2725, the registration expired April 2024. You stated that another sister location/facility mistakenly placed your registration sticker on their bus. You stated that you have requested a replacement registration sticker. • We discussed record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with operating a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. As an administrator you must allow time to review all necessary documentation to ensure accuracy. Review children’s files and staff files often to ensure the program is maintaining accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for children’s records and staff records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff and prior to enrollment of children, to ensure accuracy and avoid non-compliance. • It took some time today to go through your files. It was suggested to use the children’s file checklist and the staff file checklist to organize your paperwork. If possible, please put licensing paperwork together to prevent time being used to flip through paperwork that is not required by licensure. You can also declutter your fire drills and playground inspections which go back to 2017. The rules only require the fire drills and outdoor inspections to be kept on file for the past 12 months. • Hold harmless has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) (Star Rated License System) rules are implemented. The Governor signed Senate Bill 425 (now Session Law 2024-34), which includes the Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) modifications recommended to the Legislature by the NC Child Care Commission to update QRIS and create additional pathways for licensed child care facilities to earn star rated licenses. The Child Care Commission is currently in the process of drafting proposed child care rule language to begin the rulemaking process for implementing the new requirements. There will be three pathways for the QRIS Modernization: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and national accreditation. You were informed that once your NAEYC accreditation (which expired on 9-1-2022) is renewed, you can apply for a new national accreditation pathway and renew your 5 star license through this pathway. You stated that there have been discussions to start the process to renew your NAEYC accreditation. • Please link you and your staff asap. Center directors/owners can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. The course is titled ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training - under the Early Childhood Professional Development Tab, then under the Criminal Background (CBC) tab. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time and cooperation. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact me. Bridggette Campbell PO BOX 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 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 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: HARPS MILL CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92000717 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/28/2024 Number Present: 97 Completed Date: 10/28/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 11:10 AM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with child care requirements for an annual compliance assessment. This facility currently operates with a Five (5) Star License that was issued on 10-24-19. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 3-1-24 with an “Superior” classification. The last approved fire inspection was conducted on 2-29-24. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and this facility’s corporation’s name, Creative Schools, Inc. was listed as “Current-Active.” Today’s visit was conducted with you, Vanessa Price, new center director. This facility has one (1) NC Pre-K classroom occupying space #4. The NC Pre-K program operates for a minimum of 7.0 hours a day from 8:00am – 3:00pm and attendance documenting time of arrival and departure is taken daily through the Tadpoles App on iPads. USDA approved meals are served and menus are planned at least one week in advance. The center uses the approved Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) as an early childhood teaching resource. The NC Pre-K classroom abides by a 1:9 staff/child ratio. NC Pre-K paperwork was reviewed during today’s visit. Children’s files were randomly selected verifying health assessments and/or developmental screenings were on file. The DCDEE NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool is used as a guide to ensure compliance with NC Pre-K requirements. I monitored the eight (8) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision and engagement from the caregivers. The children were observed in circle time where a caregiver was reading a book to the children, outdoors on the playground engaged in gross motor play, the children were observed completing toileting and handwashing routines, engaged in activity centers, eating at the tables, and resting on cots with linens. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were observed. Compliance with staff records will be documented by you. New staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. Medications observed on the premises were monitored. This facility does provide transportation as there were two (2) buses on the premises. It was indicated that the bus with the license plate #FDF-2725 is not in use. The bus with the license plate #EMF-8035 is used to transport children and was monitored today. The following violations of child care requirements were cited during today’s visit and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in space #3 was dated November 25 - November 29, 2024. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Documentation of visual checks on sleeping infants in space #7b were not completed at least every 15 minutes as required. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) 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 file did not contain an immunization record as required. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A bottle of Gatorade was observed on the food prep counter in space #2. .0901(i) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File did not contain medication authorizations, medical action plans, the current allergy list, and current children's and staff emergency information. .0607(d)(10) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. One child's application did not include an allergy action plan for the child's allergy to eggs and nuts. .0801(b) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a letter must be sent to me no later than 11-11-24 stating how the items were corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a correction letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: Activity Plan: Complete weekly activity plans that are dated shall include developmentally appropriate activities for enrolled children. As a reminder, the dated activity plan shall include activities daily to stimulate the following five (5) developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: social/emotional development, health/physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development. In addition, activity plans must include each of these three (3) enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science/nature, and music/rhythm. It is strongly recommended that dated activity plan for the upcoming week be posted on Friday evening prior to closing. Then on Monday morning, a designated staff member should conduct a walk through of the facility to verify activity plans are posted and current. Creating consistent procedures helps maintain compliance with activity plans. Infant Sleep Checks: Documented sleep visual checks every 15 minutes are crucial to minimize the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by ensuring infants are breathing normally and positioned safely while sleeping. The documentation provides a record that proper monitoring is occurring, which is required by child care regulations and is considered best practice for infant care. The caregiver stated that she had asked for forms but did not have any forms to document sleep visual checks. It is suggested to make an abundance of copies of these blank forms and keep them in the classroom in a binder or folder for easy access. Monitor the count of these blank forms and when you see them running low, make additional copies. Immunizations: Documented immunization records are crucial for children in daycare because they help ensure that all children attending the facility are adequately protected against preventable diseases. It is recommended that you get immunizations and children’s physical examinations prior to enrollment, this way you are not trying to track down the parent after the child is in care. If there is an exemption requested a form was provided for you today that indicates a request an exemption from this immunization requirement on the grounds that such immunization(s) conflict with religious beliefs and practices. Modeling Healthy Eating Habits: It is important for caregivers to actively demonstrate drinking healthy options in front of children because it sets a positive example, helps children learn healthy eating habits by imitating their caregivers, and reinforces the message that water and nutritious drinks are the preferred choices for staying hydrated and healthy, especially at a young age when habits are being formed. It was suggested that if caregivers need to drink while in the classroom, then they can put their beverage in a cup where children aren’t able to see the beverage. Ready to Go File: The Ready to Go File requirement is crucial because it acts as a readily accessible collection of critical information needed to quickly respond to an emergency situation, allowing staff to efficiently evacuate children, contact parents, and address specific needs during a crisis, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the facility. Your Ready to Go File notebook needs to be updated with all of the required paperwork. A Ready to Go File checklist was provided today for you to ensure required paperwork is added to your notebook. Medical Action Plans: Medical action plans are crucial in child care centers because they provide clear, detailed instructions on how to manage a child's specific medical needs, ensuring staff can respond appropriately and safely in case of a medical emergency, especially for children with allergies, asthma, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, effectively preventing complications and protecting the child's health while in care. It is suggested that before you receive medication, that the parent complete or bring you the completed medical action plan and completed permission slip. Informing parents during their tour of your center and when providing information about requirements and expectations can eliminate confusion regarding what must accompany medications. • Please send me your completed staff and training worksheets asap. • Please send me your completed preservice requirements for administrators form asap. • You stated that the bus is not used, however it was reiterated to not transport children in your bus with the license plate #FDF-2725, the registration expired April 2024. You stated that another sister location/facility mistakenly placed your registration sticker on their bus. You stated that you have requested a replacement registration sticker. • We discussed record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with operating a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. As an administrator you must allow time to review all necessary documentation to ensure accuracy. Review children’s files and staff files often to ensure the program is maintaining accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for children’s records and staff records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff and prior to enrollment of children, to ensure accuracy and avoid non-compliance. • It took some time today to go through your files. It was suggested to use the children’s file checklist and the staff file checklist to organize your paperwork. If possible, please put licensing paperwork together to prevent time being used to flip through paperwork that is not required by licensure. You can also declutter your fire drills and playground inspections which go back to 2017. The rules only require the fire drills and outdoor inspections to be kept on file for the past 12 months. • Hold harmless has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) (Star Rated License System) rules are implemented. The Governor signed Senate Bill 425 (now Session Law 2024-34), which includes the Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) modifications recommended to the Legislature by the NC Child Care Commission to update QRIS and create additional pathways for licensed child care facilities to earn star rated licenses. The Child Care Commission is currently in the process of drafting proposed child care rule language to begin the rulemaking process for implementing the new requirements. There will be three pathways for the QRIS Modernization: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and national accreditation. You were informed that once your NAEYC accreditation (which expired on 9-1-2022) is renewed, you can apply for a new national accreditation pathway and renew your 5 star license through this pathway. You stated that there have been discussions to start the process to renew your NAEYC accreditation. • Please link you and your staff asap. Center directors/owners can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. The course is titled ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training - under the Early Childhood Professional Development Tab, then under the Criminal Background (CBC) tab. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time and cooperation. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact me. Bridggette Campbell PO BOX 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: HARPS MILL CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92000717 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/28/2024 Number Present: 97 Completed Date: 10/28/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 11:10 AM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with child care requirements for an annual compliance assessment. This facility currently operates with a Five (5) Star License that was issued on 10-24-19. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 3-1-24 with an “Superior” classification. The last approved fire inspection was conducted on 2-29-24. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and this facility’s corporation’s name, Creative Schools, Inc. was listed as “Current-Active.” Today’s visit was conducted with you, Vanessa Price, new center director. This facility has one (1) NC Pre-K classroom occupying space #4. The NC Pre-K program operates for a minimum of 7.0 hours a day from 8:00am – 3:00pm and attendance documenting time of arrival and departure is taken daily through the Tadpoles App on iPads. USDA approved meals are served and menus are planned at least one week in advance. The center uses the approved Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) as an early childhood teaching resource. The NC Pre-K classroom abides by a 1:9 staff/child ratio. NC Pre-K paperwork was reviewed during today’s visit. Children’s files were randomly selected verifying health assessments and/or developmental screenings were on file. The DCDEE NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool is used as a guide to ensure compliance with NC Pre-K requirements. I monitored the eight (8) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision and engagement from the caregivers. The children were observed in circle time where a caregiver was reading a book to the children, outdoors on the playground engaged in gross motor play, the children were observed completing toileting and handwashing routines, engaged in activity centers, eating at the tables, and resting on cots with linens. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were observed. Compliance with staff records will be documented by you. New staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. Medications observed on the premises were monitored. This facility does provide transportation as there were two (2) buses on the premises. It was indicated that the bus with the license plate #FDF-2725 is not in use. The bus with the license plate #EMF-8035 is used to transport children and was monitored today. The following violations of child care requirements were cited during today’s visit and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in space #3 was dated November 25 - November 29, 2024. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Documentation of visual checks on sleeping infants in space #7b were not completed at least every 15 minutes as required. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) 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 file did not contain an immunization record as required. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A bottle of Gatorade was observed on the food prep counter in space #2. .0901(i) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File did not contain medication authorizations, medical action plans, the current allergy list, and current children's and staff emergency information. .0607(d)(10) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. One child's application did not include an allergy action plan for the child's allergy to eggs and nuts. .0801(b) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a letter must be sent to me no later than 11-11-24 stating how the items were corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a correction letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: Activity Plan: Complete weekly activity plans that are dated shall include developmentally appropriate activities for enrolled children. As a reminder, the dated activity plan shall include activities daily to stimulate the following five (5) developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: social/emotional development, health/physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development. In addition, activity plans must include each of these three (3) enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science/nature, and music/rhythm. It is strongly recommended that dated activity plan for the upcoming week be posted on Friday evening prior to closing. Then on Monday morning, a designated staff member should conduct a walk through of the facility to verify activity plans are posted and current. Creating consistent procedures helps maintain compliance with activity plans. Infant Sleep Checks: Documented sleep visual checks every 15 minutes are crucial to minimize the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by ensuring infants are breathing normally and positioned safely while sleeping. The documentation provides a record that proper monitoring is occurring, which is required by child care regulations and is considered best practice for infant care. The caregiver stated that she had asked for forms but did not have any forms to document sleep visual checks. It is suggested to make an abundance of copies of these blank forms and keep them in the classroom in a binder or folder for easy access. Monitor the count of these blank forms and when you see them running low, make additional copies. Immunizations: Documented immunization records are crucial for children in daycare because they help ensure that all children attending the facility are adequately protected against preventable diseases. It is recommended that you get immunizations and children’s physical examinations prior to enrollment, this way you are not trying to track down the parent after the child is in care. If there is an exemption requested a form was provided for you today that indicates a request an exemption from this immunization requirement on the grounds that such immunization(s) conflict with religious beliefs and practices. Modeling Healthy Eating Habits: It is important for caregivers to actively demonstrate drinking healthy options in front of children because it sets a positive example, helps children learn healthy eating habits by imitating their caregivers, and reinforces the message that water and nutritious drinks are the preferred choices for staying hydrated and healthy, especially at a young age when habits are being formed. It was suggested that if caregivers need to drink while in the classroom, then they can put their beverage in a cup where children aren’t able to see the beverage. Ready to Go File: The Ready to Go File requirement is crucial because it acts as a readily accessible collection of critical information needed to quickly respond to an emergency situation, allowing staff to efficiently evacuate children, contact parents, and address specific needs during a crisis, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the facility. Your Ready to Go File notebook needs to be updated with all of the required paperwork. A Ready to Go File checklist was provided today for you to ensure required paperwork is added to your notebook. Medical Action Plans: Medical action plans are crucial in child care centers because they provide clear, detailed instructions on how to manage a child's specific medical needs, ensuring staff can respond appropriately and safely in case of a medical emergency, especially for children with allergies, asthma, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, effectively preventing complications and protecting the child's health while in care. It is suggested that before you receive medication, that the parent complete or bring you the completed medical action plan and completed permission slip. Informing parents during their tour of your center and when providing information about requirements and expectations can eliminate confusion regarding what must accompany medications. • Please send me your completed staff and training worksheets asap. • Please send me your completed preservice requirements for administrators form asap. • You stated that the bus is not used, however it was reiterated to not transport children in your bus with the license plate #FDF-2725, the registration expired April 2024. You stated that another sister location/facility mistakenly placed your registration sticker on their bus. You stated that you have requested a replacement registration sticker. • We discussed record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with operating a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. As an administrator you must allow time to review all necessary documentation to ensure accuracy. Review children’s files and staff files often to ensure the program is maintaining accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for children’s records and staff records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff and prior to enrollment of children, to ensure accuracy and avoid non-compliance. • It took some time today to go through your files. It was suggested to use the children’s file checklist and the staff file checklist to organize your paperwork. If possible, please put licensing paperwork together to prevent time being used to flip through paperwork that is not required by licensure. You can also declutter your fire drills and playground inspections which go back to 2017. The rules only require the fire drills and outdoor inspections to be kept on file for the past 12 months. • Hold harmless has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) (Star Rated License System) rules are implemented. The Governor signed Senate Bill 425 (now Session Law 2024-34), which includes the Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) modifications recommended to the Legislature by the NC Child Care Commission to update QRIS and create additional pathways for licensed child care facilities to earn star rated licenses. The Child Care Commission is currently in the process of drafting proposed child care rule language to begin the rulemaking process for implementing the new requirements. There will be three pathways for the QRIS Modernization: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and national accreditation. You were informed that once your NAEYC accreditation (which expired on 9-1-2022) is renewed, you can apply for a new national accreditation pathway and renew your 5 star license through this pathway. You stated that there have been discussions to start the process to renew your NAEYC accreditation. • Please link you and your staff asap. Center directors/owners can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. The course is titled ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training - under the Early Childhood Professional Development Tab, then under the Criminal Background (CBC) tab. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time and cooperation. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact me. Bridggette Campbell PO BOX 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: HARPS MILL CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92000717 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/28/2024 Number Present: 97 Completed Date: 10/28/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 11:10 AM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with child care requirements for an annual compliance assessment. This facility currently operates with a Five (5) Star License that was issued on 10-24-19. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 3-1-24 with an “Superior” classification. The last approved fire inspection was conducted on 2-29-24. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and this facility’s corporation’s name, Creative Schools, Inc. was listed as “Current-Active.” Today’s visit was conducted with you, Vanessa Price, new center director. This facility has one (1) NC Pre-K classroom occupying space #4. The NC Pre-K program operates for a minimum of 7.0 hours a day from 8:00am – 3:00pm and attendance documenting time of arrival and departure is taken daily through the Tadpoles App on iPads. USDA approved meals are served and menus are planned at least one week in advance. The center uses the approved Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) as an early childhood teaching resource. The NC Pre-K classroom abides by a 1:9 staff/child ratio. NC Pre-K paperwork was reviewed during today’s visit. Children’s files were randomly selected verifying health assessments and/or developmental screenings were on file. The DCDEE NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool is used as a guide to ensure compliance with NC Pre-K requirements. I monitored the eight (8) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision and engagement from the caregivers. The children were observed in circle time where a caregiver was reading a book to the children, outdoors on the playground engaged in gross motor play, the children were observed completing toileting and handwashing routines, engaged in activity centers, eating at the tables, and resting on cots with linens. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were observed. Compliance with staff records will be documented by you. New staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. Medications observed on the premises were monitored. This facility does provide transportation as there were two (2) buses on the premises. It was indicated that the bus with the license plate #FDF-2725 is not in use. The bus with the license plate #EMF-8035 is used to transport children and was monitored today. The following violations of child care requirements were cited during today’s visit and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was provided. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in space #3 was dated November 25 - November 29, 2024. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Documentation of visual checks on sleeping infants in space #7b were not completed at least every 15 minutes as required. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) 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 file did not contain an immunization record as required. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A bottle of Gatorade was observed on the food prep counter in space #2. .0901(i) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File did not contain medication authorizations, medical action plans, the current allergy list, and current children's and staff emergency information. .0607(d)(10) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. One child's application did not include an allergy action plan for the child's allergy to eggs and nuts. .0801(b) The above violations must be corrected immediately and a letter must be sent to me no later than 11-11-24 stating how the items were corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a correction letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. • Technical Assistance was provided with the following suggestions that may be beneficial: Activity Plan: Complete weekly activity plans that are dated shall include developmentally appropriate activities for enrolled children. As a reminder, the dated activity plan shall include activities daily to stimulate the following five (5) developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: social/emotional development, health/physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development. In addition, activity plans must include each of these three (3) enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science/nature, and music/rhythm. It is strongly recommended that dated activity plan for the upcoming week be posted on Friday evening prior to closing. Then on Monday morning, a designated staff member should conduct a walk through of the facility to verify activity plans are posted and current. Creating consistent procedures helps maintain compliance with activity plans. Infant Sleep Checks: Documented sleep visual checks every 15 minutes are crucial to minimize the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by ensuring infants are breathing normally and positioned safely while sleeping. The documentation provides a record that proper monitoring is occurring, which is required by child care regulations and is considered best practice for infant care. The caregiver stated that she had asked for forms but did not have any forms to document sleep visual checks. It is suggested to make an abundance of copies of these blank forms and keep them in the classroom in a binder or folder for easy access. Monitor the count of these blank forms and when you see them running low, make additional copies. Immunizations: Documented immunization records are crucial for children in daycare because they help ensure that all children attending the facility are adequately protected against preventable diseases. It is recommended that you get immunizations and children’s physical examinations prior to enrollment, this way you are not trying to track down the parent after the child is in care. If there is an exemption requested a form was provided for you today that indicates a request an exemption from this immunization requirement on the grounds that such immunization(s) conflict with religious beliefs and practices. Modeling Healthy Eating Habits: It is important for caregivers to actively demonstrate drinking healthy options in front of children because it sets a positive example, helps children learn healthy eating habits by imitating their caregivers, and reinforces the message that water and nutritious drinks are the preferred choices for staying hydrated and healthy, especially at a young age when habits are being formed. It was suggested that if caregivers need to drink while in the classroom, then they can put their beverage in a cup where children aren’t able to see the beverage. Ready to Go File: The Ready to Go File requirement is crucial because it acts as a readily accessible collection of critical information needed to quickly respond to an emergency situation, allowing staff to efficiently evacuate children, contact parents, and address specific needs during a crisis, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the facility. Your Ready to Go File notebook needs to be updated with all of the required paperwork. A Ready to Go File checklist was provided today for you to ensure required paperwork is added to your notebook. Medical Action Plans: Medical action plans are crucial in child care centers because they provide clear, detailed instructions on how to manage a child's specific medical needs, ensuring staff can respond appropriately and safely in case of a medical emergency, especially for children with allergies, asthma, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, effectively preventing complications and protecting the child's health while in care. It is suggested that before you receive medication, that the parent complete or bring you the completed medical action plan and completed permission slip. Informing parents during their tour of your center and when providing information about requirements and expectations can eliminate confusion regarding what must accompany medications. • Please send me your completed staff and training worksheets asap. • Please send me your completed preservice requirements for administrators form asap. • You stated that the bus is not used, however it was reiterated to not transport children in your bus with the license plate #FDF-2725, the registration expired April 2024. You stated that another sister location/facility mistakenly placed your registration sticker on their bus. You stated that you have requested a replacement registration sticker. • We discussed record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with operating a childcare program. It is an important part of licensure. As an administrator you must allow time to review all necessary documentation to ensure accuracy. Review children’s files and staff files often to ensure the program is maintaining accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed making sure that you develop a record keeping system for children’s records and staff records that promotes organization and efficiency. Administrative staff must allow time to review all necessary documentation prior to employment of staff and prior to enrollment of children, to ensure accuracy and avoid non-compliance. • It took some time today to go through your files. It was suggested to use the children’s file checklist and the staff file checklist to organize your paperwork. If possible, please put licensing paperwork together to prevent time being used to flip through paperwork that is not required by licensure. You can also declutter your fire drills and playground inspections which go back to 2017. The rules only require the fire drills and outdoor inspections to be kept on file for the past 12 months. • Hold harmless has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) (Star Rated License System) rules are implemented. The Governor signed Senate Bill 425 (now Session Law 2024-34), which includes the Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) modifications recommended to the Legislature by the NC Child Care Commission to update QRIS and create additional pathways for licensed child care facilities to earn star rated licenses. The Child Care Commission is currently in the process of drafting proposed child care rule language to begin the rulemaking process for implementing the new requirements. There will be three pathways for the QRIS Modernization: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and national accreditation. You were informed that once your NAEYC accreditation (which expired on 9-1-2022) is renewed, you can apply for a new national accreditation pathway and renew your 5 star license through this pathway. You stated that there have been discussions to start the process to renew your NAEYC accreditation. • Please link you and your staff asap. Center directors/owners can now access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS), the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. The course is titled ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training - under the Early Childhood Professional Development Tab, then under the Criminal Background (CBC) tab. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time and cooperation. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact me. Bridggette Campbell PO BOX 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 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: HARPS MILL CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92000717 Consultant: NICOLE MILLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0724-352A Visit Date: 8/5/2024 Number Present: 88 Completed Date: 8/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 171 Time In: 12:14 PM Time Out: 03:05 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. Aisha Eugene, director, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Eugene, and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A staff member used their forefinger and thumb to “flick” a child on the forehead three times. The same staff member used a shoe to discipline a child by striking the child on their bottom. The staff member spoke to children in a harsh tone. G.S. 110-91(10) You may contact me, Nicole Miller, Investigations Consultant, at 919-397-8451 or Nicole.p.miller@dhhs.nc.gov. Ms. Sheronda Harris, Supervisor, may be contacted 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 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: HARPS MILL CREATIVE SCHOOL Facility ID: 92000717 Consultant: BRIDGGETTE CAMPBELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/20/2023 Number Present: 88 Completed Date: 11/20/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 03:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with child care requirements for an annual compliance assessment, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in space #4, where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This facility currently operates with a Five (5) Star License that was issued on 10-24-19. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 11-22-22. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 3-3-23 with a “Superior” classification. The last approved fire inspection was conducted on 10-19-22. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11-20-23 and the corporation’s name, Creative Schools, Inc. was listed as “Current-Active.” Today’s visit was conducted with you, Aisha Eugene, center director. I monitored the eight (8) classrooms in use for compliance with staff/child ratios, supervision, and staff interaction/discipline. The program was also monitored for health and safety requirements both indoors and outdoors using the annual compliance monitoring checklist. There was monitoring for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum (Creative Curriculum) as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. Children completed daily activities with adequate supervision. The children were observed at the table with manipulatives, engaged in activity centers, on the carpet in circle time as the caregiver read a book, outside on the playground, and dancing and singing to music while learning Spanish. Appropriate handwashing routines were also observed before lunch was served. The program requirements, along with equipment and furnishings were also observed. Compliance with staff records was documented by you. New staff records, along with children’s records were reviewed today. A selection of the children’s files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was also reviewed today. This facility does provide transportation. The buses used for transportation and transportation documentation were observed and in compliance. The following violation of child care requirements was observed during today’s visit and must be corrected immediately. Technical assistance on how to maintain compliance was provided today. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The center's last fire inspection was conducted on 10-19-22. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) The above violation must be corrected immediately and a corrective action letter must be sent to me no later than 12-4-23 stating how the violation has corrected and a plan to maintain compliance with the requirements. My mailing address is: PO Box 865, Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 or a corrective action letter can be emailed to: bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov. If I do not receive your letter by 12-4-23, a return visit to your program may be made to monitor for compliance of the violation. Additional violations may be documented if the item has not been corrected or addressed. The following were discussed with you during today’s visit: • Child care facilities are in a held harmless state in regards to their star rated license. The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on Monday June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility is in cohort two with your preparation year beginning July 1, 2024 and your reassessment year beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Take advantage of the programmatic initiatives available to you. The prep year activities and ideas flyer, along with the prep year environment rating scale assessment information flyer was shared with you today. • There are a few changes to the Annual License Fee process this year. All invoices will be emailed, and no paper copies will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. All invoices will be emailed by December 1, 2023 and will include the invoice number and total amount due. All payments are due no later than December 31, 2023. Payments must be submitted online only through the Division’s website using a Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card, or by e-check. Providers will need their Facility ID number and their 2023 Invoice number to complete the payment process. • The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center is a valuable resource where you can find skills-based training and technical assistance from your Child Care Health Consultant on specific medications or health conditions, as well as the new poster on Stand-Up Changing Procedures. Sign up for their quarterly newsletter and find updated resources at www.healthychildcare.unc.edu or 800-367-2229, choose option 1, then 2. • The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. Specialists are available with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. A flyer with the challenging behaviors hotline information was provided today. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website for child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for your time and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Bridggette Campbell PO Box 865 Knightdale, NC 27545-0865 bridggette.campbell@dhhs.nc.gov (919) 819-9357 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