Kindercare Learning Center

10A NCAC 09 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/15/2025 Number Present: 125 Completed Date: 12/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to assess applicable child-care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. The director, Shaneek Hill, assisted me with today’s visit. We conducted a walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed groups of children eating or transitioning to their cots for rest time. I also observed infant meal time and rest time. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5- star-rated licenses issued on 1-27-25 using the accreditation pathway. Your NAEYC accreditation is valid until 4/1/29. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 8/18/25 The last fire inspection was conducted on 1/24/25. If you have not already done so, you should contact the fire inspector to schedule this visit. When your inspection is completed, please email a copy of the fire inspection checklist to me. The last documented fire drill was conducted onn11/25/25. The last documented shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was conducted on 10/28/25. The last documented playground inspection was conducted on 12/1/25. The status of the owners, Kindercare Education, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State website. During this visit a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. The facility was assessed using items noted on the Annual Compliance for Centers checklist. Staff on-going training was assessed from 1/1/25 – 12/31/25. The following violations were observed and recorded during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. One child's emergency medication expired in November 2025, but it was not sent home. .0803(12) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff member renewed their certification in November 2025, but it expired in April 2025. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff member's certification expired in April 2025 and was renewed in November 2025. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. The annual staff evaluation and the professional development plan was missing from some staff files. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member renewed their background check, but a current qualification letter was not in their file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. Two children's allergy action plans were not updated annually. .0801(b) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member did not have documentation in their file that they had completed training in all the required topics every 5 years. .1103(b) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 12/29/25 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 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 84%. According to NC General Statute 110-90 (4) (d) all facilities must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Confirming that center staff meet and maintain the basic requirement of successfully completing a background check and receiving a qualification letter ensures that all staff meet the minimum requirement of being able to work in a child care facility. It ensures that the individual has no pending or previous charges that may disqualify some from working with children in a licensed program. One staff member completed the process to renew their qualification on time, and this was confirmed in our system, but their current qualification was not in their file. Please remind staff to bring you a printed copy of their qualification letters for their file. Training in health and safety topics helps new staff members to learn the basics for maintain a safe and clean environment for the children and renewing training in these topics helps keep fresh in the minds of all program staff. Documentation was not in one staff member to confirm that they had completed training in all the required health and safety topics. Please remind all staff that this training should be completed within their first year of employment and every 5 years after. Annual staff evaluations and professional development plans ensure that all staff receive feedback and develop goals to help them continue to grow professionally. Two of the staff files, both who have been employed more than one year, reviewed today, did not have current evaluations and professional development plans in their file. I recommend setting calendar reminders to ensure that these items are completed annually. CPR and First Aid training is required to be completed within the first 90 days of employment and certification should remain current. One staff member completed CPR and First Aid training in November 2025; however, their previous certification expired in April 2025. The staff and training worksheets could be used to track due dates for many of the staff requirements. I recommend using this document throughout the year and making updates, as changes occur. When administering medication, it is important to keep the medication, allergy care plans and permission forms so that the center can easily administer the medication in the event of an emergency. Two of the children’s allergy care plans expired in October to November 2025 and one of the children’s medications expired in November 2025. Allergy care plans must be renewed annually and the medication authorization forms for emergency medications are valid for 6 months. The authorization forms for topical medications are valid for one year. It is recommended that all medication and documentation be reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with the medication requirements. I also recommend that all medication and accompanying forms be given to an administrator who reviews the documents and ensures compliance before the medication is delivered to the classroom. All children are required to have their immunization report on file within their first 30 days of enrollment. Immunization records or documentation explaining why the child has not received immunizations is required. Routine immunizations at the appropriate age are the best means of protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases. One child did not have an immunization record on file. CONSULTATION Several of your employees are due to renew their criminal background check within the next 3 months. Please ensure that all staff renew their qualification letters prior to its expiration. Moving forward, be sure to include your district or regional manager’s criminal background information on the staff and training worksheets. For them, you should list their position and the dates of their qualification letter. All childcare facilities are required to test their drinking and cooking water for led every three years. Your water was last tested, 10/19/23. For more information, you should contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids. Contact www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org for more information. In addition, childcare facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. This center is determined to be exempt from testing for lead-based paint and asbestos. 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. ACCESS TO THE ABCMS SYSTEM: Center directors 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. If you have questions regarding the PROVIDER PORTAL contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 or email: DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov. For general questions regarding APPLICANTS, applications, or other CBC questions email: DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6401. To access your staff criminal records, they must have your program listed as their place of employment in ABCMS. This requirement is indicated as Item #7 on the staff and training worksheet and replaces the Data Change form that was previously required to be submitted to the Criminal Records Unit. It is recommended that staff add your program as their place of employment during the first few days of orientation. This change should be documented and placed in their file. The documentation could be a screenshot after the change is made or documented on the Orientation Form in the Other section. The date the change was made should be indicated in Item #7 on the staff and training worksheet during the staff member’s first year of employment. 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. 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: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/15/2025 Number Present: 125 Completed Date: 12/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to assess applicable child-care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. The director, Shaneek Hill, assisted me with today’s visit. We conducted a walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed groups of children eating or transitioning to their cots for rest time. I also observed infant meal time and rest time. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5- star-rated licenses issued on 1-27-25 using the accreditation pathway. Your NAEYC accreditation is valid until 4/1/29. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 8/18/25 The last fire inspection was conducted on 1/24/25. If you have not already done so, you should contact the fire inspector to schedule this visit. When your inspection is completed, please email a copy of the fire inspection checklist to me. The last documented fire drill was conducted onn11/25/25. The last documented shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was conducted on 10/28/25. The last documented playground inspection was conducted on 12/1/25. The status of the owners, Kindercare Education, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State website. During this visit a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. The facility was assessed using items noted on the Annual Compliance for Centers checklist. Staff on-going training was assessed from 1/1/25 – 12/31/25. The following violations were observed and recorded during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. One child's emergency medication expired in November 2025, but it was not sent home. .0803(12) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff member renewed their certification in November 2025, but it expired in April 2025. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff member's certification expired in April 2025 and was renewed in November 2025. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. The annual staff evaluation and the professional development plan was missing from some staff files. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member renewed their background check, but a current qualification letter was not in their file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. Two children's allergy action plans were not updated annually. .0801(b) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member did not have documentation in their file that they had completed training in all the required topics every 5 years. .1103(b) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 12/29/25 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 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 84%. According to NC General Statute 110-90 (4) (d) all facilities must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Confirming that center staff meet and maintain the basic requirement of successfully completing a background check and receiving a qualification letter ensures that all staff meet the minimum requirement of being able to work in a child care facility. It ensures that the individual has no pending or previous charges that may disqualify some from working with children in a licensed program. One staff member completed the process to renew their qualification on time, and this was confirmed in our system, but their current qualification was not in their file. Please remind staff to bring you a printed copy of their qualification letters for their file. Training in health and safety topics helps new staff members to learn the basics for maintain a safe and clean environment for the children and renewing training in these topics helps keep fresh in the minds of all program staff. Documentation was not in one staff member to confirm that they had completed training in all the required health and safety topics. Please remind all staff that this training should be completed within their first year of employment and every 5 years after. Annual staff evaluations and professional development plans ensure that all staff receive feedback and develop goals to help them continue to grow professionally. Two of the staff files, both who have been employed more than one year, reviewed today, did not have current evaluations and professional development plans in their file. I recommend setting calendar reminders to ensure that these items are completed annually. CPR and First Aid training is required to be completed within the first 90 days of employment and certification should remain current. One staff member completed CPR and First Aid training in November 2025; however, their previous certification expired in April 2025. The staff and training worksheets could be used to track due dates for many of the staff requirements. I recommend using this document throughout the year and making updates, as changes occur. When administering medication, it is important to keep the medication, allergy care plans and permission forms so that the center can easily administer the medication in the event of an emergency. Two of the children’s allergy care plans expired in October to November 2025 and one of the children’s medications expired in November 2025. Allergy care plans must be renewed annually and the medication authorization forms for emergency medications are valid for 6 months. The authorization forms for topical medications are valid for one year. It is recommended that all medication and documentation be reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with the medication requirements. I also recommend that all medication and accompanying forms be given to an administrator who reviews the documents and ensures compliance before the medication is delivered to the classroom. All children are required to have their immunization report on file within their first 30 days of enrollment. Immunization records or documentation explaining why the child has not received immunizations is required. Routine immunizations at the appropriate age are the best means of protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases. One child did not have an immunization record on file. CONSULTATION Several of your employees are due to renew their criminal background check within the next 3 months. Please ensure that all staff renew their qualification letters prior to its expiration. Moving forward, be sure to include your district or regional manager’s criminal background information on the staff and training worksheets. For them, you should list their position and the dates of their qualification letter. All childcare facilities are required to test their drinking and cooking water for led every three years. Your water was last tested, 10/19/23. For more information, you should contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids. Contact www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org for more information. In addition, childcare facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. This center is determined to be exempt from testing for lead-based paint and asbestos. 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. ACCESS TO THE ABCMS SYSTEM: Center directors 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. If you have questions regarding the PROVIDER PORTAL contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 or email: DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov. For general questions regarding APPLICANTS, applications, or other CBC questions email: DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6401. To access your staff criminal records, they must have your program listed as their place of employment in ABCMS. This requirement is indicated as Item #7 on the staff and training worksheet and replaces the Data Change form that was previously required to be submitted to the Criminal Records Unit. It is recommended that staff add your program as their place of employment during the first few days of orientation. This change should be documented and placed in their file. The documentation could be a screenshot after the change is made or documented on the Orientation Form in the Other section. The date the change was made should be indicated in Item #7 on the staff and training worksheet during the staff member’s first year of employment. 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. 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

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/30/2025 Number Present: 130 Completed Date: 7/30/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:30 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 director, Shaneek Hill, 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 activities in their classroom and water play outdoors. I also observed infant rest time and meal time. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5-star rated license issued on 1/27/25 through the accreditation pathway. Your NAEYC accreditation expires 4/1/29. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 8/20/24. If you have not already done so, you should contact sanitation to remind them that your visit is coming due. The last fire inspection was conducted 1/24/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted 7/14/25. The last documented shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was conducted 7/22/25. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 7/1/25. The status of the owners, Kindercare Education, 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 emergency medications, 8 new staff files and confirmed that all staff have current CPR, First Aid, and ITS SIDS certificates, as required. I also confirmed that the program updated their EPR plan in December 2024. 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 601 Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. A thermometer was missing from the refrigerator in Infant A. 15A NCAC 18A .2806(j)(2) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Pedals were missing from 4 tricycles on the playground and the sink basin was missing from the dramatic play furniture in one classrooms. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Diaper creams and sunscreen was stored in two classrooms in unlocked areas, that were less than 5 feet above the ground. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. The medication authorization forms for two children's medications were expired. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two staff members did not have documentation that they had received orientation on all the required topics. .1101(a) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 8/13/25 please email me with 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 87%. According to NC General Statute 110-90 (4) (d) all facilities must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The center reported that they have two children with emergency medication enrolled in the program. The medication authorization form for both children’s medications expired in April/May 2023. Center staff should routinely check their medication to ensure that the medical care plans are no more than 1 year old, and the emergency medication authorization forms are no more than 6 months old. This ensures that the medication and accompanying documentation accurate and current so the center can quickly respond in the event of an emergency. In two classrooms there was sunscreen and diaper cream stored in unlocked areas. One classroom stored the medication is an unlocked drawer in the changing table and another classroom stored their diaper creams on the top of their changing table. All medications, which include sunscreen and diaper creams, must be stored at least 5 feet above the floor or in locked areas. This was corrected in both classrooms during today’s visit. There were four bikes that were missing pedals located on the bike path. With the pedals missing, this creates a potential puncture hazard. Please replace the pedals on these bikes. In a classroom, the basin was missing from a dramatic play sink. The teacher stated that the basin broke so they removed it. The director stated that they had a cubby that would fit in the area. Please remind teachers to report any broken or damaged items, so they can be repaired or replaced. The thermometer was missing in Infant A, so I was unable to confirm that the temperature was appropriate for milk storage. Please place another thermometer in this refrigerator so that the temperature can be easily monitored. Two employees, who have been employed more than 6 weeks, did not have all items on their orientation checklist marked as completed. In addition, one employee had not signed their orientation form. Documenting orientation not only ensures that the center staff have been properly oriented, but it also provides confirmation that staff received orientation, should there be issues with performance. Best practice is to document training in each topic as it is completed and have the employee sign the document once all orientation is completed. CONSULTATION With the extreme heat conditions we have been experiencing, we are cautioning all programs to closely monitor the temperatures of playground surfaces. During a recent visit, a consultant found that the artificial turf, in an unshaded area, was hot to touch. This could result in children being burned while playing outdoors. I left a handout with you today titled, “Protecting Children from Thermal Burns.” This handout discussed prevention and treatment options should a child experience a burn. All childcare facilities are required to test their drinking and cooking water for led every three years. Your water was last tested, 10/19/23. For more information, you should contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids. Contact www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org for more information. This center is determined to be exempt from testing for lead-based paint and asbestos. 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. ACCESS TO THE ABCMS SYSTEM: Center directors 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. If you have questions regarding the PROVIDER PORTAL contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 or email: DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov. For general questions regarding APPLICANTS, applications, or other CBC questions email: DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6401. To access your staff criminal records, they must have your program listed as their place of employment in ABCMS. This requirement is indicated as Item #7 on the staff and training worksheet and replaces the Data Change form that was previously required to be submitted to the Criminal Records Unit. It is recommended that staff add your program as their place of employment during the first few days of orientation. This change should be documented and placed in their file. The documentation could be a screenshot after the change is made or documented on the Orientation Form in the Other section. The date the change was made should be indicated in Item #7 on the staff and training worksheet during the staff member’s first year of employment. 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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/30/2025 Number Present: 130 Completed Date: 7/30/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:30 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 director, Shaneek Hill, 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 activities in their classroom and water play outdoors. I also observed infant rest time and meal time. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5-star rated license issued on 1/27/25 through the accreditation pathway. Your NAEYC accreditation expires 4/1/29. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 8/20/24. If you have not already done so, you should contact sanitation to remind them that your visit is coming due. The last fire inspection was conducted 1/24/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted 7/14/25. The last documented shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was conducted 7/22/25. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 7/1/25. The status of the owners, Kindercare Education, 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 emergency medications, 8 new staff files and confirmed that all staff have current CPR, First Aid, and ITS SIDS certificates, as required. I also confirmed that the program updated their EPR plan in December 2024. 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 601 Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. A thermometer was missing from the refrigerator in Infant A. 15A NCAC 18A .2806(j)(2) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Pedals were missing from 4 tricycles on the playground and the sink basin was missing from the dramatic play furniture in one classrooms. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Diaper creams and sunscreen was stored in two classrooms in unlocked areas, that were less than 5 feet above the ground. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. The medication authorization forms for two children's medications were expired. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two staff members did not have documentation that they had received orientation on all the required topics. .1101(a) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 8/13/25 please email me with 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 87%. According to NC General Statute 110-90 (4) (d) all facilities must maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The center reported that they have two children with emergency medication enrolled in the program. The medication authorization form for both children’s medications expired in April/May 2023. Center staff should routinely check their medication to ensure that the medical care plans are no more than 1 year old, and the emergency medication authorization forms are no more than 6 months old. This ensures that the medication and accompanying documentation accurate and current so the center can quickly respond in the event of an emergency. In two classrooms there was sunscreen and diaper cream stored in unlocked areas. One classroom stored the medication is an unlocked drawer in the changing table and another classroom stored their diaper creams on the top of their changing table. All medications, which include sunscreen and diaper creams, must be stored at least 5 feet above the floor or in locked areas. This was corrected in both classrooms during today’s visit. There were four bikes that were missing pedals located on the bike path. With the pedals missing, this creates a potential puncture hazard. Please replace the pedals on these bikes. In a classroom, the basin was missing from a dramatic play sink. The teacher stated that the basin broke so they removed it. The director stated that they had a cubby that would fit in the area. Please remind teachers to report any broken or damaged items, so they can be repaired or replaced. The thermometer was missing in Infant A, so I was unable to confirm that the temperature was appropriate for milk storage. Please place another thermometer in this refrigerator so that the temperature can be easily monitored. Two employees, who have been employed more than 6 weeks, did not have all items on their orientation checklist marked as completed. In addition, one employee had not signed their orientation form. Documenting orientation not only ensures that the center staff have been properly oriented, but it also provides confirmation that staff received orientation, should there be issues with performance. Best practice is to document training in each topic as it is completed and have the employee sign the document once all orientation is completed. CONSULTATION With the extreme heat conditions we have been experiencing, we are cautioning all programs to closely monitor the temperatures of playground surfaces. During a recent visit, a consultant found that the artificial turf, in an unshaded area, was hot to touch. This could result in children being burned while playing outdoors. I left a handout with you today titled, “Protecting Children from Thermal Burns.” This handout discussed prevention and treatment options should a child experience a burn. All childcare facilities are required to test their drinking and cooking water for led every three years. Your water was last tested, 10/19/23. For more information, you should contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids. Contact www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org for more information. This center is determined to be exempt from testing for lead-based paint and asbestos. 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. ACCESS TO THE ABCMS SYSTEM: Center directors 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. If you have questions regarding the PROVIDER PORTAL contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 or email: DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov. For general questions regarding APPLICANTS, applications, or other CBC questions email: DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6401. To access your staff criminal records, they must have your program listed as their place of employment in ABCMS. This requirement is indicated as Item #7 on the staff and training worksheet and replaces the Data Change form that was previously required to be submitted to the Criminal Records Unit. It is recommended that staff add your program as their place of employment during the first few days of orientation. This change should be documented and placed in their file. The documentation could be a screenshot after the change is made or documented on the Orientation Form in the Other section. The date the change was made should be indicated in Item #7 on the staff and training worksheet during the staff member’s first year of employment. 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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: NICOLE MILLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0625-338A Visit Date: 7/7/2025 Number Present: 120 Completed Date: 7/7/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 82 Time In: 02:18 PM Time Out: 03:40 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. I Audrey Delgado, assistant director, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Delgado 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. On 6/23/25, a staff member attended to a five-year-old child in an non-nurturing manner. The staff member ignored the child and encouraged another child to to do the same. Additionally, the staff member separated the children during rough play resulting in a red mark to the child's shoulder. 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: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/14/2025 Number Present: 118 Completed Date: 1/14/2025 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: Announced 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 director, Shaneek Hill, and we conducted a general walk through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed groups of children engaged in free play or group time in their classrooms or in the gym. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5-tar rated license issued on 8/7/23. They received 5 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and one quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The program’s “held harmless status” has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented. This means that rated license visits will not be processed until the new rated license process is completed unless the program requests to proceed with a new rated license. I confirmed today that the center is NAEYC Accredited until 4/1/29. I emailed the center the application for Accreditation Pathways. Once this is received and all violations from today’s visit are corrected, I will process your new 5 star-rated license. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was completed on 8/20/24. The last fire inspection was completed 1/4/24. This is in process, but has not been completed and a date for the inspection has not been scheduled. The last documented fire drill was conducted 12/26/24. The last documented lock down or shelter-in-place drill was conducted 9/26/24. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 1/2/25. MONITORING During this visit a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. The facility was assessed using items noted on the Annual Compliance for Centers checklist. I reviewed all staff files for staff who have been employed for less than 1 year and a sampling of staff who have been employed more than one year. All information was confirmed, except those noted below as a violation. The status of the owner, Kindercare Education, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State’s website. Staff on-going training was assessed from 2/1/24 – 1/31/25. 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 fire inspection was completed 1/4/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. The feeding plan was not updated as their needs changed for two infants. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. Paint and plaster are peeling in several classrooms. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Diaper cream and other topical medications were stored in an unlocked drawer under the changing table. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. The medicine authorization form did not include the name of the medication that was labeled for a child. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 1/28/25 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 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 92%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE To ensure that children do not have access to medications or other potentially hazardous materials, these items must be stored in a locked area or at least 5 feet above the ground. Diaper creams and other topical medications were stored in an unlocked drawer under the changing table.The teacher stated that the locks do not work. I advised that the medication could be moved to the lower cabinets, which were locked. The director stated that she will submit a work order to have the locks repaired. Parent authorization forms are required to make certain that the child’s parent knows what medication is being administered to their children and that they have authorized the center to administer the medication. One child had diaper cream in the classroom, without a parent’s authorization form. There were other authorization forms completed for this child, but one medication was not listed on the form. Please ensure that all medication authorization forms are completed correctly. Best practices would be to ask the parent to leave medication and their accompanying authorization forms at the front desk for an administrator to review and then deliver the medication and form to the classroom. Infant feeding plans should be completed upon enrollment for any child under 15 months old and updated as the child’s nutritional needs change. This ensures that the child is fed according to the parent’s instructions. Two children had feeding plans posted, but I confirmed with the teachers that the children were now eating solid food, which was not reflected on the feeding plan. Please remind staff working in these classrooms to update the feeding plans when the parent gives them new instructions. In several classrooms there was paint peeling in various areas of the room. In classroom identified as #6 on the floor plan has peeling paint and plaster on the wall and the window sill of the window facing the playground. All walls should be easily cleanable and in good repair per sanitation requirements. The director stated that she would submit a work order to have these areas repaired. Annual fire inspections are required to ensure that the building is safe and free of fire hazards. The last fire inspection was completed on 1/4/24. The director stated that she had reached out to the fire inspector just before Christmas, but she had not heard from the fire inspector, so an inspection is not scheduled. The alarm systems were inspected yesterday, so I advised her to contact them again and explain that the center is now delinquent on completing their inspection. In the future, I would begin making preparations and requesting the inspection a month prior to when it is due to ensure that it is completed on time. . REMINDERS You have several staff who need their CPR and First Aid renewed by February 2025. CONSULTATION Child Care facilities are required to test their drinking and cooking water for lead every three years. It may be time to test your program’s water. For 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. 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. The Child Care Commission is publishing new rules related to the modernization of the Quality Rated License Improvement System in the new year. 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 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 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/14/2025 Number Present: 118 Completed Date: 1/14/2025 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: Announced 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 director, Shaneek Hill, and we conducted a general walk through of the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed groups of children engaged in free play or group time in their classrooms or in the gym. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5-tar rated license issued on 8/7/23. They received 5 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and one quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The program’s “held harmless status” has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented. This means that rated license visits will not be processed until the new rated license process is completed unless the program requests to proceed with a new rated license. I confirmed today that the center is NAEYC Accredited until 4/1/29. I emailed the center the application for Accreditation Pathways. Once this is received and all violations from today’s visit are corrected, I will process your new 5 star-rated license. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was completed on 8/20/24. The last fire inspection was completed 1/4/24. This is in process, but has not been completed and a date for the inspection has not been scheduled. The last documented fire drill was conducted 12/26/24. The last documented lock down or shelter-in-place drill was conducted 9/26/24. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 1/2/25. MONITORING During this visit a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. The facility was assessed using items noted on the Annual Compliance for Centers checklist. I reviewed all staff files for staff who have been employed for less than 1 year and a sampling of staff who have been employed more than one year. All information was confirmed, except those noted below as a violation. The status of the owner, Kindercare Education, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State’s website. Staff on-going training was assessed from 2/1/24 – 1/31/25. 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 fire inspection was completed 1/4/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. The feeding plan was not updated as their needs changed for two infants. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. Paint and plaster are peeling in several classrooms. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Diaper cream and other topical medications were stored in an unlocked drawer under the changing table. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. The medicine authorization form did not include the name of the medication that was labeled for a child. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 1/28/25 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 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 92%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE To ensure that children do not have access to medications or other potentially hazardous materials, these items must be stored in a locked area or at least 5 feet above the ground. Diaper creams and other topical medications were stored in an unlocked drawer under the changing table.The teacher stated that the locks do not work. I advised that the medication could be moved to the lower cabinets, which were locked. The director stated that she will submit a work order to have the locks repaired. Parent authorization forms are required to make certain that the child’s parent knows what medication is being administered to their children and that they have authorized the center to administer the medication. One child had diaper cream in the classroom, without a parent’s authorization form. There were other authorization forms completed for this child, but one medication was not listed on the form. Please ensure that all medication authorization forms are completed correctly. Best practices would be to ask the parent to leave medication and their accompanying authorization forms at the front desk for an administrator to review and then deliver the medication and form to the classroom. Infant feeding plans should be completed upon enrollment for any child under 15 months old and updated as the child’s nutritional needs change. This ensures that the child is fed according to the parent’s instructions. Two children had feeding plans posted, but I confirmed with the teachers that the children were now eating solid food, which was not reflected on the feeding plan. Please remind staff working in these classrooms to update the feeding plans when the parent gives them new instructions. In several classrooms there was paint peeling in various areas of the room. In classroom identified as #6 on the floor plan has peeling paint and plaster on the wall and the window sill of the window facing the playground. All walls should be easily cleanable and in good repair per sanitation requirements. The director stated that she would submit a work order to have these areas repaired. Annual fire inspections are required to ensure that the building is safe and free of fire hazards. The last fire inspection was completed on 1/4/24. The director stated that she had reached out to the fire inspector just before Christmas, but she had not heard from the fire inspector, so an inspection is not scheduled. The alarm systems were inspected yesterday, so I advised her to contact them again and explain that the center is now delinquent on completing their inspection. In the future, I would begin making preparations and requesting the inspection a month prior to when it is due to ensure that it is completed on time. . REMINDERS You have several staff who need their CPR and First Aid renewed by February 2025. CONSULTATION Child Care facilities are required to test their drinking and cooking water for lead every three years. It may be time to test your program’s water. For 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. 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. The Child Care Commission is publishing new rules related to the modernization of the Quality Rated License Improvement System in the new year. 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 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: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/11/2024 Number Present: 78 Completed Date: 9/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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 assistant director, Jodi Daniels, 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 or having snack in their classrooms. It was early morning, so several classrooms were combined. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5-star rated license issued on 8/8/23. They received 5 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and one quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The program’s “held harmless status” has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented. This means that rated license visits will not be processed until the new rated license process is completed unless the program requests to proceed with a new rated license. You should also ensure that all staff have registered and have their education assessed in WORKS. It is recommended that you complete this process as part of your onboarding process with new hires and as existing staff members complete additional coursework. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was conducted 8/20/24. The last fire inspection was conducted 1/4/24. The last documented fire drill was conducted 8/30/24. The last documented shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was conducted 8/1/24. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 8/21/24. The status of the owners, Kindercare Education, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State website. Limited monitoring of child care requirements was assessed during today’s visit. I reviewed emergency medications, 5new 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 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. In classroom #4 there were 18 three and four year old children with one teacher. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. A rusted building vent is exposed on the playground used by two-year-old children. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Infant sleep checks were not documented for this week in Infant #1. .0606(g) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). One staff member's qualification letter expired 4/18/24. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. The staff member assigned to Infant #2 did not have ITS SIDS training and she was the only teacher present in the room. .01102 (f) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 9/25/24 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 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. The violation regarding staff/child ratios, require an unannounced follow-up visit to be conducted. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 93%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Adhering to staff/child ratios ensures that children are staff and that staff are adequately able to supervise and interact with the children. Classroom #4 had 18 three - and four- year old children with one staff member, when I conducted the walk through. It was determined that one staff member had received approval to come in later today, but that information was not shared with the opening administrator. A communication log or time off calendar could alleviate this issue. In addition, center staff should notify the administrator when they reach the maximum number of children permitted, so that staff child ratios are maintained. If another child arrived before a 2nd staff member is present parents should be asked to wait until coverage can be provided. Keep in mind that staff/child ratios are based on the youngest child present in the classroom. Staff criminal background checks ensure that all staff meet the minimum requirement for working in child care and that they do not have any charges that may endanger children. One staff member’s qualification letter expired 4/18/24. This should be corrected within 14 calendar days or the employee will be unable to return to work until a current qualification letter is obtained. Checking infants while they are sleeping, observing their color and the rise and fall of their chest and documenting their sleep positions are crucial to preventing SIDS deaths. Infant room one had not recorded any sleep positions on their sleep logs this week. A few of the children had not had sleep records checked since the end of August. Sleep positions should be recorded any time a child under one year of age is sleeping. It may be helpful to set a timer for 15 minutes anytime an infant is asleep. This gives an auditory reminder to teachers to stop and check on the infants while they are sleeping. Staff working with children under one year of age should have ITS SIDS certification to ensure that safe sleep practices are followed. Staff working in infant rooms must have ITS SIDS training within 60 days of when they began working in the classroom for infants, however, there must be at least one staff member with ITS SIDS in a classroom when infants are present. During today’s visit, the teacher assigned to Infant #2 began working with infants a few weeks ago, so she was within the 60 day requirement, but she was the only teacher in the classroom. Since there were two teachers with ITS SIDS training working in Infant #1, one of those teachers switched rooms with the teacher who did not have the training in Infant # 2. Many programs require all of their staff to complete ITS SIDS training so there is always someone available to work in the classroom for infants. On the playground used by two-year-old children, there is a rusted vent exposed. It was reported that a work order had previously been submitted, but the repair was not completed. Exposure to rust is considered a hazard to young children and this item should be repaired as soon as possible. CONSULTATION The center was issued a written reprimand earlier this year based on staff/child ratios. Since another ratio violation was documented today, the center may be issued a more stringent administrative action. 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 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. 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. 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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/11/2024 Number Present: 78 Completed Date: 9/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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 assistant director, Jodi Daniels, 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 or having snack in their classrooms. It was early morning, so several classrooms were combined. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5-star rated license issued on 8/8/23. They received 5 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and one quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The program’s “held harmless status” has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented. This means that rated license visits will not be processed until the new rated license process is completed unless the program requests to proceed with a new rated license. You should also ensure that all staff have registered and have their education assessed in WORKS. It is recommended that you complete this process as part of your onboarding process with new hires and as existing staff members complete additional coursework. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was conducted 8/20/24. The last fire inspection was conducted 1/4/24. The last documented fire drill was conducted 8/30/24. The last documented shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was conducted 8/1/24. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 8/21/24. The status of the owners, Kindercare Education, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State website. Limited monitoring of child care requirements was assessed during today’s visit. I reviewed emergency medications, 5new 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 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. In classroom #4 there were 18 three and four year old children with one teacher. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. A rusted building vent is exposed on the playground used by two-year-old children. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Infant sleep checks were not documented for this week in Infant #1. .0606(g) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). One staff member's qualification letter expired 4/18/24. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. The staff member assigned to Infant #2 did not have ITS SIDS training and she was the only teacher present in the room. .01102 (f) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 9/25/24 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 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. The violation regarding staff/child ratios, require an unannounced follow-up visit to be conducted. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 93%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Adhering to staff/child ratios ensures that children are staff and that staff are adequately able to supervise and interact with the children. Classroom #4 had 18 three - and four- year old children with one staff member, when I conducted the walk through. It was determined that one staff member had received approval to come in later today, but that information was not shared with the opening administrator. A communication log or time off calendar could alleviate this issue. In addition, center staff should notify the administrator when they reach the maximum number of children permitted, so that staff child ratios are maintained. If another child arrived before a 2nd staff member is present parents should be asked to wait until coverage can be provided. Keep in mind that staff/child ratios are based on the youngest child present in the classroom. Staff criminal background checks ensure that all staff meet the minimum requirement for working in child care and that they do not have any charges that may endanger children. One staff member’s qualification letter expired 4/18/24. This should be corrected within 14 calendar days or the employee will be unable to return to work until a current qualification letter is obtained. Checking infants while they are sleeping, observing their color and the rise and fall of their chest and documenting their sleep positions are crucial to preventing SIDS deaths. Infant room one had not recorded any sleep positions on their sleep logs this week. A few of the children had not had sleep records checked since the end of August. Sleep positions should be recorded any time a child under one year of age is sleeping. It may be helpful to set a timer for 15 minutes anytime an infant is asleep. This gives an auditory reminder to teachers to stop and check on the infants while they are sleeping. Staff working with children under one year of age should have ITS SIDS certification to ensure that safe sleep practices are followed. Staff working in infant rooms must have ITS SIDS training within 60 days of when they began working in the classroom for infants, however, there must be at least one staff member with ITS SIDS in a classroom when infants are present. During today’s visit, the teacher assigned to Infant #2 began working with infants a few weeks ago, so she was within the 60 day requirement, but she was the only teacher in the classroom. Since there were two teachers with ITS SIDS training working in Infant #1, one of those teachers switched rooms with the teacher who did not have the training in Infant # 2. Many programs require all of their staff to complete ITS SIDS training so there is always someone available to work in the classroom for infants. On the playground used by two-year-old children, there is a rusted vent exposed. It was reported that a work order had previously been submitted, but the repair was not completed. Exposure to rust is considered a hazard to young children and this item should be repaired as soon as possible. CONSULTATION The center was issued a written reprimand earlier this year based on staff/child ratios. Since another ratio violation was documented today, the center may be issued a more stringent administrative action. 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 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. 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. 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: WANDA FOWLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/11/2024 Number Present: 78 Completed Date: 9/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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 assistant director, Jodi Daniels, 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 or having snack in their classrooms. It was early morning, so several classrooms were combined. RATED LICENSE STATUS The program operates with a 5-star rated license issued on 8/8/23. They received 5 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and one quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The program’s “held harmless status” has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented. This means that rated license visits will not be processed until the new rated license process is completed unless the program requests to proceed with a new rated license. You should also ensure that all staff have registered and have their education assessed in WORKS. It is recommended that you complete this process as part of your onboarding process with new hires and as existing staff members complete additional coursework. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was conducted 8/20/24. The last fire inspection was conducted 1/4/24. The last documented fire drill was conducted 8/30/24. The last documented shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was conducted 8/1/24. The last documented playground inspection was conducted 8/21/24. The status of the owners, Kindercare Education, LLC., is listed as current and active on the NC Secretary of State website. Limited monitoring of child care requirements was assessed during today’s visit. I reviewed emergency medications, 5new 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 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. In classroom #4 there were 18 three and four year old children with one teacher. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. A rusted building vent is exposed on the playground used by two-year-old children. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Infant sleep checks were not documented for this week in Infant #1. .0606(g) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). One staff member's qualification letter expired 4/18/24. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. The staff member assigned to Infant #2 did not have ITS SIDS training and she was the only teacher present in the room. .01102 (f) The above violations must be corrected immediately. By 9/25/24 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 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. The violation regarding staff/child ratios, require an unannounced follow-up visit to be conducted. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 93%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Adhering to staff/child ratios ensures that children are staff and that staff are adequately able to supervise and interact with the children. Classroom #4 had 18 three - and four- year old children with one staff member, when I conducted the walk through. It was determined that one staff member had received approval to come in later today, but that information was not shared with the opening administrator. A communication log or time off calendar could alleviate this issue. In addition, center staff should notify the administrator when they reach the maximum number of children permitted, so that staff child ratios are maintained. If another child arrived before a 2nd staff member is present parents should be asked to wait until coverage can be provided. Keep in mind that staff/child ratios are based on the youngest child present in the classroom. Staff criminal background checks ensure that all staff meet the minimum requirement for working in child care and that they do not have any charges that may endanger children. One staff member’s qualification letter expired 4/18/24. This should be corrected within 14 calendar days or the employee will be unable to return to work until a current qualification letter is obtained. Checking infants while they are sleeping, observing their color and the rise and fall of their chest and documenting their sleep positions are crucial to preventing SIDS deaths. Infant room one had not recorded any sleep positions on their sleep logs this week. A few of the children had not had sleep records checked since the end of August. Sleep positions should be recorded any time a child under one year of age is sleeping. It may be helpful to set a timer for 15 minutes anytime an infant is asleep. This gives an auditory reminder to teachers to stop and check on the infants while they are sleeping. Staff working with children under one year of age should have ITS SIDS certification to ensure that safe sleep practices are followed. Staff working in infant rooms must have ITS SIDS training within 60 days of when they began working in the classroom for infants, however, there must be at least one staff member with ITS SIDS in a classroom when infants are present. During today’s visit, the teacher assigned to Infant #2 began working with infants a few weeks ago, so she was within the 60 day requirement, but she was the only teacher in the classroom. Since there were two teachers with ITS SIDS training working in Infant #1, one of those teachers switched rooms with the teacher who did not have the training in Infant # 2. Many programs require all of their staff to complete ITS SIDS training so there is always someone available to work in the classroom for infants. On the playground used by two-year-old children, there is a rusted vent exposed. It was reported that a work order had previously been submitted, but the repair was not completed. Exposure to rust is considered a hazard to young children and this item should be repaired as soon as possible. CONSULTATION The center was issued a written reprimand earlier this year based on staff/child ratios. Since another ratio violation was documented today, the center may be issued a more stringent administrative action. 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 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. 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. 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

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0824-060L Visit Date: 8/6/2024 Number Present: 97 Completed Date: 8/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 95 Time In: 08:35 AM Time Out: 10:10 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging a violation of applicable childcare requirements. Today’s visit was completed with the center staff in charge, Ms. Annette, until director, Michelle Folts arrived. I arrived at the facility at 8:35 am, the report stated that the allegation occurs during the morning hours between 8 and 9 am. I was greeted by a staff person in charge, Ms. Annette. I introduced myself, shared the purpose of my visit and she contacted the director by phone who arrived approximately thirty- five minutes into the visit. I stood next to the front desk will discussing the purpose of my visit with Ms. Annette and observed morning arrivals. As parents arrived, they brought their children either to their regular classroom or to their “homeroom” for their age group. Allegation: There is a concern that the posted staff/child ratio is not being followed in the classroom for infants. I informed Ms. Annette that based on the allegation of staff/child ratio a walkthrough would need to be conducted and enrollment and present numbers will be documented. Preschool 1 classroom space 11 was closed so I started in Preschool 2 space 12 “homeroom” where I observed three teachers and twenty-one children ages two and three were present. This room was out of compliance based on maximum group size. Ratio requirements for children that are two years old is one to nine with a maximum group size of eighteen. The remaining nine classrooms documented were in compliance with ratios and group size. Regarding the complaint I read the allegation to infant teachers in each classroom as well as floaters present during the morning hours. I asked about morning procedures during drop off and was informed of the following: Ms. Annette documented for me the full-time staff in infant 1 and infant 2 as well as the staff that float in the morning hours. There are two full time teachers in infant 1 with one staff person from 7am-3pm and 7am-5:30pm and the second from 8am- 5pm and infant 2 one teacher from 9am-6pm and the other from 8:30am-4pm and a floater from 9am-6pm. With two additional floaters on site from 7am-12 noon and the other from 7am-2 pm along with the cook and the administrator present. All staff interviewed informed me that they follow a procedure, once the child that arrives that puts them over by one, they contact the administrator in charge who will either send a staff person to the classroom or children will be picked up and taken to another classroom of the same age group to make sure rooms are in compliance with ratios. Following the walkthrough, I requested, and an administrator pulled attendance sheets for the infant rooms as well as the two’s based on today’s observation. For the infants I reviewed July 22nd, 24th, 26th and August 1st, 2024. On all four days infant A space 10 was out of compliance with maximum group size. Infants under one have a 1:5 ratio with a maximum group size of 10. On 7/22, 7/24 and 7/26 there were 11 infants present with three staff and on 8/1/2024 there were 12 infants present with three staff. In the Preschool 2 classroom that was out of compliance today I reviewed August 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2024 attendance and found that they were out of compliance on these dates with maximum group size as well. On 8/1, 8/2 and 8/3 there were three staff present but there were 26 children on 8/1, 21 children on 8/2 and 23 children on 8/5/2024. As stated previously the maximum group size for two-year-olds is 18. Ms. Folts informed me that four summer staff were hired and two of the four have left to go back to school and since July five full-time staff have been hired. In addition to the new hires there are three administrative staff and the cook that cover in the classrooms. Based on my discussion with teachers, the director, and my observation, the allegation concerning the posted staff/child ratio is not being followed in the classroom for infants was unsubstantiated. A violation of childcare requirements regarding maximum group size was cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. During my walkthrough to document enrollment the "homeroom" for children aged two and three had three staff members present with twenty-one children. Enhanced standards has a maximum group size of eighteen. The group was over maximum group size by three children. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Technical Assistance: • It is acceptable practice to ask a parent at drop off to hang out briefly to avoid ratio issues so staff can either immediately obtain additional staff or have the child brought to another classroom within their age group. • This conversation was had because staff stated they were over by one for a moment while waiting for coverage or shift. Above was suggested to avoid the panic during this time. • Group sizes: Depending on the ratios the facility is required to meet; the group sizes will vary. Group sizes are in place so teachers can maintain supervision, and to ensure the safety of the children. You should be following the ratios based on the youngest child in the group throughout the day. This includes the first and last hour of the operating day. A violation of childcare requirements was cited today, and a letter of corrective action is required by August 18th, 2024. Please include your center name, id# and the item# of the violation cited. Please indicate how you corrected the violation, how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 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

10A NCAC 09 .0806 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-233L Visit Date: 4/23/2024 Number Present: 141 Completed Date: 4/23/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violation of applicable childcare requirements. When we arrived, we were greeted by the center assistant director, Bailey P. The director arrived around 10:00am. LeAnne Simpkins, lead licensing consultant was also present during today’s visit. We informed the assistant director that we would be interviewing her, and the classroom teachers and any other staff that may have additional information. We interviewed five (5) classroom teachers/floater and two (2) administrative staff and the cook and asked each person interviewed questions regarding the topics of staff/child ratios, emergency medication, sanitation and health, nurturing and appropriate care of the children. The findings are documented below. Allegation #1: There is a concern that the posted staff/child ratios are not being followed in the classroom for four-year-old children. Findings: I visited ten (10) classrooms today. All ten (10) classrooms were verified in compliance with staff/child ratios. I asked five (5) teachers if their classroom had ever been out of ratio. One teacher stated that the classroom was out of ratio this week during arrival time. The other four teachers did not have concerns with staff/child ratios for their classroom. Lead consultant reviewed attendance records for April 1, 2024, through April 19, 2024. Based on observation and review of the attendance for children and staff, the allegation regarding staff/child ratio was unsubstantiated. Children present and teachers present met staff/child ratios for four-year-old children. The staff/child ratio for four-year-old children is 1:13. Allegation #2: There is a concern that children were not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner or in keeping with children’s developmental needs in the classroom for two-year-old children. Findings: Teachers were questioned about incidents noted in the report regarding nurture care and routines in the classroom for two-year-old children. We were informed of the following: Six (6) staff members were interviewed today regarding this allegation and a named teacher. Five (5) staff members confirmed that a teacher did not respond to children in a nurturing and appropriate manner. They stated that they observed a teacher yelling at the children and observed a teacher throwing shoes and other materials. The lead consultant watched the live camera footage from 10:11am until 11:04am. During that time, the teacher grabbed a child by the left upper arm and took the child back to the rug. The teacher was also observed throwing materials to the activity centers instead of taking the materials to the activity centers. It was also observed that the teacher did not stay in view of the camera as the children played. The teacher was in the camera view about 55 seconds during the time the video was observed. The teacher did not interact with the children while she sat at the table in the left back corner of the classroom and the children had free play while she sat there. This is a supervision concern. Teachers should be moving about the indoor and outdoor play area interacting with the children. Based on the review of live video and interviews with staff regarding concerns that children were not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner or in keeping with the children’s developmental needs in the classroom for two-year-old children was substantiated. Allegation #3: There is a concern related to sanitation and health in the classroom for two-year-old children. There was additional information that alleged the air conditioner was not working for two months. Temperatures in the building should be maintained between 65-85 degrees. Keep in mind that the temperature in the classroom for infants must be 75 degrees or below. If the air conditioning system is not working and the temperatures go above 75 degrees, the infants should not be in care. The assistant director stated that the system had been fixed and there are no concerns with the air conditioning or heating unit at this time. She stated that the AC was not working in the PreK1 classroom and PreK2 classroom, it was working in the rest of the building. She stated that they did not know what the temperature was in both rooms, but one room showed 74 degrees. The assistant director stated that they open screened windows to allow fresh air to help cool. Since there was no way to verify the temperature in the classrooms and the AC had been fixed, the allegation was unsubstantiated. I reviewed copies of work orders from September 13, 2023, through April 19, 2024. There was additional information that there were bathrooms out of order for several weeks. Children and adults should have a working bathroom to use. If bathrooms are not working, the director stated that they submit a work order. She stated that a work order was submitted, and the toilets were fixed. This is ongoing due to the age of the toilets and the small size of toilets. Teachers stated that the toilets work but some of them leak. Additional information regarding sick children. We asked the assistant director what the ‘sick child’ procedures were. She stated that once she is notified that there is a sick child, the child stays in the office until a parent/guardian comes to pick up the child. Findings: During interviews teachers were asked questions regarding diaper checks and/or change procedures. The teachers stated that they observed a teacher allow a child to stay in a soiled diaper until returning inside from outdoor play. Allegation #4: There are concerns related to emergency medication. Findings: Based on the information in the report the caller shared concerns related to emergency medication. The reporter was concerned that the emergency medication is not with the child every where they go when at the center. Staff were asked questions about emergency medication procedures and if there was any time that the medication was left on the playground. We were informed of the following: The director stated that two classes of children were outside, PreK 1 and PreK 2. Both teachers had their own medical bag with them. One of the teachers left at 5:15pm and left the medical bag outside when the children went back inside. The assistant director stated that this has happened several times before and it appears to be due to lack of communication between the teachers. One teacher leaves at 5:15pm and the other teacher leaves work at 6:00pm. The reporter was concerned about cross contamination during food prep, concerning food allergies. Based on information in the report, a child with a list of known allergies was served school meals and snacks and was not permitted to bring their own food from home. We asked what the facility policy is on outside food as well as the ability for a parent to utilize the nutrition opt-out form. We were informed of the following: The director stated that she was not approached by a parent about this but if she was, she would allow the child to bring in their own foods. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A teacher was observed sitting in a chair, not interacting with the children for 35 minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) 401 Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis. A two year old child soiled their diaper during outdoor play. The teacher did not change the child before returning inside after outdoor play. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A teacher was observed on live camera, grabbing a child's left upper arm. During interviews teachers confirmed a child soiled their pull up and the teacher told the child, they had to wait to have their diaper changed. G.S. 110-91(10) Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each childcare provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Discipline: Appropriate discipline was discussed with the owner/administrator. Each child must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child’s developmental needs. No form of corporal punishment is ever acceptable. No child shall be handled roughly in any way. No child shall ever be put in locked confinement. Discipline shall never be delegated to another child. Discipline in no way shall ever be related to food, rest, or toileting. Children must never be disciplined by assigning chores that require them to be in contact with hazardous materials. The violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Mail me a corrective action letter stating how the violations were corrected, when the violations were corrected and how you plan to prevent repeat violations in the future. I should receive the letter by May 7, 2024. Please contact me if you need more time to correct the violations. A follow up visit will be made to verify compliance with supervision and discipline requirements. Contact Information: If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to call (919)819-9364 or email me at: Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 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: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-233L Visit Date: 4/23/2024 Number Present: 141 Completed Date: 4/23/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violation of applicable childcare requirements. When we arrived, we were greeted by the center assistant director, Bailey P. The director arrived around 10:00am. LeAnne Simpkins, lead licensing consultant was also present during today’s visit. We informed the assistant director that we would be interviewing her, and the classroom teachers and any other staff that may have additional information. We interviewed five (5) classroom teachers/floater and two (2) administrative staff and the cook and asked each person interviewed questions regarding the topics of staff/child ratios, emergency medication, sanitation and health, nurturing and appropriate care of the children. The findings are documented below. Allegation #1: There is a concern that the posted staff/child ratios are not being followed in the classroom for four-year-old children. Findings: I visited ten (10) classrooms today. All ten (10) classrooms were verified in compliance with staff/child ratios. I asked five (5) teachers if their classroom had ever been out of ratio. One teacher stated that the classroom was out of ratio this week during arrival time. The other four teachers did not have concerns with staff/child ratios for their classroom. Lead consultant reviewed attendance records for April 1, 2024, through April 19, 2024. Based on observation and review of the attendance for children and staff, the allegation regarding staff/child ratio was unsubstantiated. Children present and teachers present met staff/child ratios for four-year-old children. The staff/child ratio for four-year-old children is 1:13. Allegation #2: There is a concern that children were not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner or in keeping with children’s developmental needs in the classroom for two-year-old children. Findings: Teachers were questioned about incidents noted in the report regarding nurture care and routines in the classroom for two-year-old children. We were informed of the following: Six (6) staff members were interviewed today regarding this allegation and a named teacher. Five (5) staff members confirmed that a teacher did not respond to children in a nurturing and appropriate manner. They stated that they observed a teacher yelling at the children and observed a teacher throwing shoes and other materials. The lead consultant watched the live camera footage from 10:11am until 11:04am. During that time, the teacher grabbed a child by the left upper arm and took the child back to the rug. The teacher was also observed throwing materials to the activity centers instead of taking the materials to the activity centers. It was also observed that the teacher did not stay in view of the camera as the children played. The teacher was in the camera view about 55 seconds during the time the video was observed. The teacher did not interact with the children while she sat at the table in the left back corner of the classroom and the children had free play while she sat there. This is a supervision concern. Teachers should be moving about the indoor and outdoor play area interacting with the children. Based on the review of live video and interviews with staff regarding concerns that children were not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner or in keeping with the children’s developmental needs in the classroom for two-year-old children was substantiated. Allegation #3: There is a concern related to sanitation and health in the classroom for two-year-old children. There was additional information that alleged the air conditioner was not working for two months. Temperatures in the building should be maintained between 65-85 degrees. Keep in mind that the temperature in the classroom for infants must be 75 degrees or below. If the air conditioning system is not working and the temperatures go above 75 degrees, the infants should not be in care. The assistant director stated that the system had been fixed and there are no concerns with the air conditioning or heating unit at this time. She stated that the AC was not working in the PreK1 classroom and PreK2 classroom, it was working in the rest of the building. She stated that they did not know what the temperature was in both rooms, but one room showed 74 degrees. The assistant director stated that they open screened windows to allow fresh air to help cool. Since there was no way to verify the temperature in the classrooms and the AC had been fixed, the allegation was unsubstantiated. I reviewed copies of work orders from September 13, 2023, through April 19, 2024. There was additional information that there were bathrooms out of order for several weeks. Children and adults should have a working bathroom to use. If bathrooms are not working, the director stated that they submit a work order. She stated that a work order was submitted, and the toilets were fixed. This is ongoing due to the age of the toilets and the small size of toilets. Teachers stated that the toilets work but some of them leak. Additional information regarding sick children. We asked the assistant director what the ‘sick child’ procedures were. She stated that once she is notified that there is a sick child, the child stays in the office until a parent/guardian comes to pick up the child. Findings: During interviews teachers were asked questions regarding diaper checks and/or change procedures. The teachers stated that they observed a teacher allow a child to stay in a soiled diaper until returning inside from outdoor play. Allegation #4: There are concerns related to emergency medication. Findings: Based on the information in the report the caller shared concerns related to emergency medication. The reporter was concerned that the emergency medication is not with the child every where they go when at the center. Staff were asked questions about emergency medication procedures and if there was any time that the medication was left on the playground. We were informed of the following: The director stated that two classes of children were outside, PreK 1 and PreK 2. Both teachers had their own medical bag with them. One of the teachers left at 5:15pm and left the medical bag outside when the children went back inside. The assistant director stated that this has happened several times before and it appears to be due to lack of communication between the teachers. One teacher leaves at 5:15pm and the other teacher leaves work at 6:00pm. The reporter was concerned about cross contamination during food prep, concerning food allergies. Based on information in the report, a child with a list of known allergies was served school meals and snacks and was not permitted to bring their own food from home. We asked what the facility policy is on outside food as well as the ability for a parent to utilize the nutrition opt-out form. We were informed of the following: The director stated that she was not approached by a parent about this but if she was, she would allow the child to bring in their own foods. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A teacher was observed sitting in a chair, not interacting with the children for 35 minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) 401 Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis. A two year old child soiled their diaper during outdoor play. The teacher did not change the child before returning inside after outdoor play. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(a) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A teacher was observed on live camera, grabbing a child's left upper arm. During interviews teachers confirmed a child soiled their pull up and the teacher told the child, they had to wait to have their diaper changed. G.S. 110-91(10) Staff Child Ratio: A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each childcare provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Discipline: Appropriate discipline was discussed with the owner/administrator. Each child must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child’s developmental needs. No form of corporal punishment is ever acceptable. No child shall be handled roughly in any way. No child shall ever be put in locked confinement. Discipline shall never be delegated to another child. Discipline in no way shall ever be related to food, rest, or toileting. Children must never be disciplined by assigning chores that require them to be in contact with hazardous materials. The violations cited today must be corrected immediately. Mail me a corrective action letter stating how the violations were corrected, when the violations were corrected and how you plan to prevent repeat violations in the future. I should receive the letter by May 7, 2024. Please contact me if you need more time to correct the violations. A follow up visit will be made to verify compliance with supervision and discipline requirements. Contact Information: If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to call (919)819-9364 or email me at: Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 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: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/25/2024 Number Present: 143 Completed Date: 1/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 167 Time In: 09:28 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. This facility went through a change of ownership on February 7th, 2023, so this is the first annual compliance visit since the issuing of a new star rated license. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Since all staff records were reviewed during the third temporary time period visit in July 2023 only new staff hired following the visit were reviewed today. A random selection of children was made during my enrollment walkthrough from each enrolled age group and seventeen children’s records were reviewed today. Upon our arrival, I was greeted by Michelle Folts, Director. During my walk-through, Ms. Folts accompanied me as I monitored (10) classroom spaces, Indoor gym, kitchen, and outdoor play environment. I monitored for required posted documents (posted license, restrictions, EMC, posters), Interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements (thermometers, infant feeding schedules/sleep charts, attendance, activity schedules), equipment, furnishings, and medication requirements (one epi-pen reviewed). Lunch followed USDA guidelines for children in childcare. Children were observed participating. During today's visit coach Mark from Super Sports was present working with children in the indoor gym. Due to inclement weather they could not utilize the soccer field in the back playground. Due to inclement weather the outdoor playgrounds were not inspected. Upon entry into the facility, I observed the AA- written reprimand that was issued January 4th, 2024, posted on the parent information board, and must be posted for three months, until April 4th, 2024. The director informed me that since the AA was posted parents have inquired about and it has been explained what the purpose of the action and what actions the facility has taken since it has been issued. ANNUAL INSPECTIONS: *Sanitation inspection was conducted on 6/29/2023- 5 demerits and a superior rating *Fire inspection was conducted on 1/4/2024 and approved for daytime care only. *Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Training was completed by Michelle Folts, Director (6/17/2019) *The EPR plan was updated on 1/8/2024 *No buses checked due to the facility no providing transportation. All transportation is provided by the parents of the enrolled children. *I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER, LLC) is listed as current-active as of (January 17th, 2024). Fire Drill- 1/4/2024 @ 10:58am Lockdown drill- 1/17/2024 @ 9:39am Playground inspection 1/10/2024 *One violation of non-compliance was cited during today’s visit and requires a letter of corrective action. Violation Number Comment Rule 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. Seventeen randomly chosen children's files were documented for review and only reviewed fifteen, two of the selected children's files in attendance did not have a file for review. G.S. 110-91(9) Technical assistance and consultation: A violation of childcare requirements regarding children’s files was cited during today’s visit. Following a parent tour and providing of the parent packet the parent should be immediately made aware of the paperwork needing to be submitted prior to or on the first day of attendance and if not received follow policy concerning the ability to start. The following is required prior to or on the first day of attendance: Application for Enrollment Emergency Medical Care Information/Medical Action Plan (if applicable) Documentation of Receipt: Discipline Policy Infant Feeding Plan (children less than 15 months-old) Infant Sleep Position Waivers (if applicable) Documentation of Receipt: Safe Sleep Policy (if applicable) Authorization for Transportation (if applicable) Documentation of Receipt: Center Operational Policies Documentation of Receipt: Summary of Childcare Law Emergency Medical Care Authorization Permission to Transport/participate in off premise activities (if applicable) Documentation of Receipt: Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma Policies Permission for aquatic activities (if applicable) Notification of Smoking and Tobacco Restriction Documentation of Discussion: Parent Participation Plan Your facility is in cohort #2 your preparation year is July 1st, 2024-June 30th, 2025, and your assessment year is July 1st, 2025- June 30th, 2026. From now on, through your prep year, you should be asking your staff who are currently enrolled in or attending school to submit their transcripts to keep their works account up to date. You may request a “prep year assessment” through NCRLAP if you receive high scores, they can be used during your assessment year and will not need to be redone. Summer is coming and so is camp. PG movies GS 110-91(12) requires facilities to provide developmentally appropriate activities. Per Childcare Rule .0102(12), "Developmentally appropriate" means suitable to the chronological age range and developmental characteristics of a specific group of children. Since a PG rated movie may not be suitable for children, PG movies are not an appropriate option for screen time or off-premises activities. If a facility chooses to watch movies and/or shows with a PG rating parent approval would be required. Of course, this approval would have to happen before any movie and/or show is watched by children. Facilities could share this information and ask for permission at the time of enrollment, this way parents know up front. Additionally, facilities would need to adhere to the rules on screen time. **There is no rule that prohibits facilities from showing PG movies and/or shows, provided they have permission from parents prior to viewing. Therefore, we cannot limit facilities to just G movies. A violation of childcare requirements was cited, and a letter of corrective action is required by February 4, 2024. Please list the item number, violation, how you corrected the violation and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please make sure you facility name and id# on your letter. Thank you CONTACT INFORMATION: 919-819-9364 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 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: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/25/2024 Number Present: 143 Completed Date: 1/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 167 Time In: 09:28 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. This facility went through a change of ownership on February 7th, 2023, so this is the first annual compliance visit since the issuing of a new star rated license. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Since all staff records were reviewed during the third temporary time period visit in July 2023 only new staff hired following the visit were reviewed today. A random selection of children was made during my enrollment walkthrough from each enrolled age group and seventeen children’s records were reviewed today. Upon our arrival, I was greeted by Michelle Folts, Director. During my walk-through, Ms. Folts accompanied me as I monitored (10) classroom spaces, Indoor gym, kitchen, and outdoor play environment. I monitored for required posted documents (posted license, restrictions, EMC, posters), Interactions between staff and children, discipline, supervision, group sizes, space capacity, program requirements (thermometers, infant feeding schedules/sleep charts, attendance, activity schedules), equipment, furnishings, and medication requirements (one epi-pen reviewed). Lunch followed USDA guidelines for children in childcare. Children were observed participating. During today's visit coach Mark from Super Sports was present working with children in the indoor gym. Due to inclement weather they could not utilize the soccer field in the back playground. Due to inclement weather the outdoor playgrounds were not inspected. Upon entry into the facility, I observed the AA- written reprimand that was issued January 4th, 2024, posted on the parent information board, and must be posted for three months, until April 4th, 2024. The director informed me that since the AA was posted parents have inquired about and it has been explained what the purpose of the action and what actions the facility has taken since it has been issued. ANNUAL INSPECTIONS: *Sanitation inspection was conducted on 6/29/2023- 5 demerits and a superior rating *Fire inspection was conducted on 1/4/2024 and approved for daytime care only. *Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Training was completed by Michelle Folts, Director (6/17/2019) *The EPR plan was updated on 1/8/2024 *No buses checked due to the facility no providing transportation. All transportation is provided by the parents of the enrolled children. *I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER, LLC) is listed as current-active as of (January 17th, 2024). Fire Drill- 1/4/2024 @ 10:58am Lockdown drill- 1/17/2024 @ 9:39am Playground inspection 1/10/2024 *One violation of non-compliance was cited during today’s visit and requires a letter of corrective action. Violation Number Comment Rule 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. Seventeen randomly chosen children's files were documented for review and only reviewed fifteen, two of the selected children's files in attendance did not have a file for review. G.S. 110-91(9) Technical assistance and consultation: A violation of childcare requirements regarding children’s files was cited during today’s visit. Following a parent tour and providing of the parent packet the parent should be immediately made aware of the paperwork needing to be submitted prior to or on the first day of attendance and if not received follow policy concerning the ability to start. The following is required prior to or on the first day of attendance: Application for Enrollment Emergency Medical Care Information/Medical Action Plan (if applicable) Documentation of Receipt: Discipline Policy Infant Feeding Plan (children less than 15 months-old) Infant Sleep Position Waivers (if applicable) Documentation of Receipt: Safe Sleep Policy (if applicable) Authorization for Transportation (if applicable) Documentation of Receipt: Center Operational Policies Documentation of Receipt: Summary of Childcare Law Emergency Medical Care Authorization Permission to Transport/participate in off premise activities (if applicable) Documentation of Receipt: Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma Policies Permission for aquatic activities (if applicable) Notification of Smoking and Tobacco Restriction Documentation of Discussion: Parent Participation Plan Your facility is in cohort #2 your preparation year is July 1st, 2024-June 30th, 2025, and your assessment year is July 1st, 2025- June 30th, 2026. From now on, through your prep year, you should be asking your staff who are currently enrolled in or attending school to submit their transcripts to keep their works account up to date. You may request a “prep year assessment” through NCRLAP if you receive high scores, they can be used during your assessment year and will not need to be redone. Summer is coming and so is camp. PG movies GS 110-91(12) requires facilities to provide developmentally appropriate activities. Per Childcare Rule .0102(12), "Developmentally appropriate" means suitable to the chronological age range and developmental characteristics of a specific group of children. Since a PG rated movie may not be suitable for children, PG movies are not an appropriate option for screen time or off-premises activities. If a facility chooses to watch movies and/or shows with a PG rating parent approval would be required. Of course, this approval would have to happen before any movie and/or show is watched by children. Facilities could share this information and ask for permission at the time of enrollment, this way parents know up front. Additionally, facilities would need to adhere to the rules on screen time. **There is no rule that prohibits facilities from showing PG movies and/or shows, provided they have permission from parents prior to viewing. Therefore, we cannot limit facilities to just G movies. A violation of childcare requirements was cited, and a letter of corrective action is required by February 4, 2024. Please list the item number, violation, how you corrected the violation and how you will keep in compliance going forward. Please make sure you facility name and id# on your letter. Thank you CONTACT INFORMATION: 919-819-9364 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 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: KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 92003908 Consultant: MICHELE HIRSCH Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1023-300L Visit Date: 11/1/2023 Number Present: 118 Completed Date: 11/1/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 81 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 10:31 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit was to monitor NC Childcare requirements and investigate an allegation regarding a concern that the posted staff/child ratios were not followed. Upon arrival at the center, I was greeted by director Ms. Folts and center staff. I explained the purpose of today’s visit and reviewed the supplemental information. The allegation from the report were discussed and the findings are below: Allegation #1: There is a concern that the posted staff/child ratio were not followed. Findings: Following review of the intake form Ms. Folts stated that she has been having staffing issues/shortages for a year. She stated that she has had staff leave for higher pay, working limited schedules due to schooling, coming in late or calling out. Attempts have been made to hire staff and they have been no call no show, hired but don’t stay yet KinderCare is requiring increased enrollment numbers at the facility. To justify Ms. Folts concerns it was determined during my interviews with classroom staff as well as review of the morning name to face sheets that teachers have been operating their classrooms out of ratio with as little as one child over the staff/child ratio to upwards of five children over ratio. It was stated that although they knew they were over and called administrative staff for assistance staff wasn't always able to shift children because there was no class to shift to, they couldn't assist in coverage because they were already covering in a classroom as well as the floaters or cook were as well. Based on interview findings, review of morning attendance documentation the allegation concerning staff/child ratio was substantiated. The following violation was cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. Interviews and review of name to face documentation showed that on multiple occasions classrooms were over staff:child ratio from one to five children. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) Violations cited during today’s visit are due for a reply by November 10th, 2023. Please submit your letter of correction to the email address listed below. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Michele Hirsch 1020 Lake Royale Louisburg, NC 27549 Michele.j.hirsch@dhhs.nc.gov 919-819-9364 ** Please note that due to a violation of staff/child ratio cited today a return visit will be conducted in the near future. “Please be aware that any information received during this investigation and any violations cited may be included in any future administrative actions. Violations of child care requirements, particularly repeated violations, could result in a civil penalty and/or administrative action that could jeopardize the status of the license for the child care facility.” 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